By ANGELA DOREIN GUTIERREZ
Featuring scenes of rice farmers reaping the fruits of several months’ work to a father and son bonding over a kite, “Countryside Chronicles” pays homage to the irrepressible grit and vigor of Filipinos within the most seemingly mundane days and moments.
In his latest exhibition, Bernard Vista showcases myriad provincial landscapes, revealing his modernist and cubist approach in almost every artwork. The 21 pieces include a series of oil paintings portraying the daily lives of Filipinos in the countryside.
These works served as his return to the Manila art scene, highlighting his elevated skill in oil pigment manipulation and stylized depictions of people.
The works on display include a diverse set of people who work within a rural setting. Among them are fishermen, farmers and women doing laundry by the stream. Fathers and mothers, whether at work or with their children, are also common themes in the artist’s work.
Family first
Most of his works remain inspired and influenced by his family and the vast rural lands he was accustomed to while growing up. He added that in this collection, his father greatly motivated his output, as he relived memories of the youth he spent with him in Laguna.
“Kaya ko nagawa ‘yung lahat ng pieces na ito kasi naalala ko ‘yung tatay ko na kasama ko noong kabataan ko, sa palayan, sa bundok,” he said.
While traces of cubism are seen in his works, from the strong silhouettes and solid lines of action, Vista noted that some of the pieces in this collection were exhibited in a semi-realist way. Although the signature style of a bent head, a sign of humility, half-face and exaggerated feet were still present elements in his work, he admitted to experimenting with the backdrops on his oil paintings.
“Ngayon nagdagdag ako ng background sa ibang pieces. Kinumpleto ko, pero parang sa tingin ko mas maganda pa rin ‘yung minimal ang dating. Mas malakas ang dating kaysa dito sa may background,” he explained.
Vista further revealed that his works took seven months to complete, having five left unfinished along with a lone sculpture. He plans to finish and showcase them in a future show
“Countryside Chronicles,” on ongoing exhibit by Bernard Vista, runs until Oct. 6 at Galerie Joaquin, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Avenue Corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
