Savo Araneta’s first photo exhibit

Last 17 January, Gustavo “Savo” Araneta’s first photography exhibition, Fresh Man, opened at Salcedo Auctions. With the guidance of photographer Pilar Bonnin, Savo has been exploring digital photography for nearly two years, working in still life, streetscape and nature photography. He has also explored the Intentional Camera Movement technique, using a slow shutter speed setting and directional movement to dramatic effect.  

The exhibition marks the beginning of Savo’s journey in photography, from where he emerged a new man more aware of the wonders of the world around him and his capabilities in capturing what he saw. It is an important milestone, made all the more poignant with his grandmother, Connie Araneta, encouraging Savo and bringing him to Salcedo to mount his debut public exhibition.

The event turned out to be a boisterous evening, with family and friends gathering for Savo’s first show. It was also an emotional moment for Savo’s family, especially his parents, Carlos and Cay Araneta, and his beloved Aba, as Savo calls his grandmother, Connie. That night, they witnessed a different Savo, more confident and jovial as he posed with guests and struck up conversations about his new passion. it was a successful first outing for the budding photographer who sold a lot of his works.  Just as popular were the boxed note cards that featured Savo’s photographs, which his Aba had ordered specially for the occasion.

Guests stayed on well beyond the show’s closing to enjoy the sumptuous cocktails, including Connie’s signature kalamansi shots, served in elegant martini glasses, and Savo’s special playlist of the music selections that accompanied his still-life sessions. His music reflected his influences and the taste of the cross-generational crowd at his big night. His grandparents, Linggoy and Connie Araneta, together with his parents, Carlos and Cay Araneta, helped entertain guests, which included Greggy and Irene Araneta, whose son, Luis Araneta, arrived together with his wife, Xandra Rocha-Araneta. Merle Tantoco-Pineda, one of Savo’s first buyers, was spotted admiring images from his ICM series. Later on, Savo was seen in a serious huddle with Vicky Zubiri, who came with hubby Joe. 

Savo was the last to leave that night, insisting on more selfies as he posed before a video of his interview and another one (with one of the Araneta family’s staff) with his exhibition’s title wall as the background. He has done a good job with his first show, and so has his Aba, the guiding light who brought it all together.