Payak - A Bernard Vista Exhibit (March 2013)

"We have lost contact with reality, the simplicity of life." by Paulo Coelho.

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