My grandparents are the finest history
teachers I've ever had. They teach mostly out of their experiences and seem to
recall their life fondly then as simple, easy and effortless. They remember the
times when everyone would be waiting for summer for the harvest season to come
because that was the time money and work flood in, 'barn yard' dance and 'jam
sessions' are mostly every week and the lazy afternoons are spent dozing off at
siesta time. "Life is simpler back in the day." they always say. And
I agree. Hunched down in spinning office chairs, in a trance at their computers
slaving away till the next pay check, calling on mobile phones and feverishly
typing away with the latest gadget acquired in the market - we digital natives,
to my grandparents, seem completely alien to them. We walk around with wires
attach to our bodies, worrying about the little things that make our lives
extra complicated, even limiting our personal interactions with one another. It
wasn't like this back then. It wasn't this complex.
But on view at the Gallery II and Galeria
Volada at San Beda Alabang Museum until April 12 is “Payak: A Solo Exhibit by Bernard
Vista" (“Simple"), an exhibition of the recent and past paintings of
Laguna's Pakil-born native - Bernard Vista, that celebrates the simplicity of
life that once was.
The exhibition highlights the quaint and
modest lives of the Filipino family in a rural setting by promoting 'the
essence of simple living, strong traditions and good Filipino values.' A
reminder that the more important things in life is undemanding. With his
signature bent head and distorted figures, Bernard Vista's works are brimming
with optimism and a sense of sanguinity, on which his unique cubism style is
known for.
With almost a decade worth of credentials
from when he started, he became an established name in the contemporary art
scene affiliated with the forerunners of galleries such as Nineveh Art Space,
Galerie Joaquin and Artesan Gallery and Studio in Singapore. His background
stems from being a graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas major in Fine Arts
to doing illustrations for Dane Publishing and designing for Barbie Philippines
before turning full-time artist in 2001.
This particular exhibit marks Vista's first
invitation to showcase in San Beda Alabang Museum to which they'll be
celebrating their 40th year anniversary since their establishment and
coincidentally making Vista's "Payak" exhibit the 40th solo exhibit
in a string of talented artists.
Curator Joseph Renta primed and brilliantly
installed the paintings for Vista's showcase whilst incorporating the theme of
simplicity to the arrangement of the paintings. Bold and neutral coloured walls
perfectly fit Vista's works under an under-lighted room while exuding a
self-reflective experience for the viewers. They were smartly placed and well
thought of - just enough to say 'simple sophistication.'
The opening day last March 19 was a humble
event with guests, administrators and students in attendance. Two-time FAMAS
and Gawad Urian awardee, Ms. Anita Linda, was the guest of honour and gladly
did the ribbon cutting with the Man of the Hour, Bernard Vista. The museum is
open at 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays.
Photo credits: Me and Vonna Vista
Photo credits: Me and Vonna Vista
