Blessings - A Bernard Vista Exhibit 2012

The sky painted itself gray that Wednesday afternoon, filling the lush university greens a faint melancholic atmosphere. The rain continues to drop happily on the grass and pavements. It demanded everyone to get under a roof over their heads.

Despite the weather, University of the Philippine's Umali Hall located at the heart of the university, across Freedom Park, provided not only a welcoming spot for those drenched by the rain, but a warm reception to host an exhibition to one of the Philippine's contemporary artist in the field traditional arts - Pakil Laguna's very own Bernard Vista.

Bernard Vista graduated from the University of Sto. Tomas majoring in Fine Arts back in 1989. He is now a full-time painter after starting his early years as a member of the famed Saturday Group and as an illustrator for a local publication. He had numerous solo and group art exhibitions in the country affiliated with NinevehArt Space and Galerie Joaquin. Moreover, he is already establishing his name internationally by being an artist-in-residence at Artesan Galleryin Singapore.

Most of Vista's works are scenes from the rural life stemming from a humble farming family in Pakil Laguna. He paints in a cubism-style influenced by Ang Kiukok but with the use of vibrant colors with the likes of the Great Fernando Amorsolo. His signature bent head and big hands and feet signifies humility and hard work respectively. This particular exhibit is no different in terms of his style. But he is able to transcend his style not only to oil and canvas but also to wood sculptures and paper mache.

A couple of days before the exhibit opening.

Tweaking some Angry Birds.

Setting Up.

Mounting of paintings.

Bernard Vista with his collector, Professor Jerry Yapo.

Obligatory shoot with those who made this exhibit possible: With Ms. Irma Lacorte and Prof. Jerry Yapo.

Bernard stated that he always wanted to hold an exhibition in UP in the hopes of opening up to a bigger audience. This year, he decided to focus on local exhibits to further establish his name in the local art scene.

The opening of the exhibit started a little bit after 4 o'clock. Most of the attendees were family members, friends, collectors and UPLB students, but all of them were excited to see beyond the close doors.

The crowd awaits.

Nice turn out of spectators.

The host presented Ms. Maria Teresa from UPLB for opening remarks. She focused on how UPLB is on its year to fiercely promote the art scene in the area and showcasing a Laguna native is perfect to its vision.

Ms. Maria Teresa for Opening Remarks.

Professor Jerry Yapo, Dean of the Humanities Department  immediately followed and accounted how he met Vista and started to collect his paintings as a personal endeavour due to his unique style of painting. He said that he recalls his own humble life back home coming from a farming family as well through his paintings. What he likes about Vista's paintings the most he said,"... is the positivity Vista's painting exudes."

Professor Jerry Yapo to introduce the artist.

Then the spotlight turns to the artist himself. He apologized for not making that much painting basing from his original quota due to the recent monsoon that greatly affected his production. He also explains that his theme "Blessings" to the interested audience that it is not only the idea in his paintings, but it is his newly acquired skill on sculpting and paper mache that he is grateful for as a blessing.

The man of the hour.

And lastly, the guest of honor, Mr. Cecilio Adorna gives a few inspirational words. The former Chief of UNICEF, recalls meeting Vista  through a relative of his and they immediately were able to engage in a conversation sharing the same interest in the  arts and the future of it. Mr. Adorna has taken interests with Vista's unique style and his own advocacy of establishing his own group of young artist native to Pakil to further progress the art scene in the area for cultural identity. He continued to talk about how it is this generation of digital natives that has the responsibility to create change and awareness for the future of the arts.

"It's this generation's responsibility to create that change."

After the wonderful remarks, the exhibit is now officially open to public. Guests litter the exhibition room with fresh sets of eyes . Gallery owners, guests and curators mingled among the crowd to further discuss the art works and discourses. But the best part of that evening is that the opening attracted new buyers which is of course the goal of artist, to further promote his art, make connections and sell his creations. And also there were some consign works waiting for him to do.

And thus, the public viewing commence.

The artist with Mr. Louie Sevilla, owner of Nineveh Artspace.

Did I mention that it was grandma's birthday as well?

Von, the artist's son, provides music for the whole evening.

Bernard Vista with fellow artist Dante Palmes.

A little performance art fun during the exhibit.

The exhibit will run until the 23rd of November. So for those of you who want to take a breather, dear readers, come down to the South and feast on a wonderful humble exhibition of Bernard Vista's Blessings.

For upcoming exhibits and projects, kindly like his Facebook page here, dear reader.