Designers, artists collaborate for Fashion Month
MANILA, Philippines — Francis Nacion and Bernadette Delos Santos (better known as Bidibidi), two visual artists of different mediums and favorite subjects who nonetheless have a lot in common, recently came together in a collaborative exhibit held at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium.
Aptly titled “Nacion x Bidibidi,” the exhibition displayed the exceptional talents of the two individual artists.
Nacion has been holding exhibits of his works for more than a decade now. His works are recognizable for the brightly colored half-faced characters often portrayed in genres of happy and contented people harvesting bountiful harvests, families spending time together at home, romantic serenades, and friends having fun; thus bringing the subjects of Amorsolo and fellow artists of his caliber to the contemporary time. His works are meticulously worked with sgraffito (etched or scratched on the wet oil paint) to create fantastic patterns on clothes and similar open surfaces imitating beautiful embroidery or textile patterns.
For her art, Bidibidi prefers to paint colorful flowers, but she also has what she calls an “artivist” practice of including underemployed farmers wives into her social enterprise. This she does by providing original embroidery patterns which they then interpret, simultaneously providing much needed livelihood to them, and preserving the tradition which her community in Ba’ao, Camarines Sur, was once famous for.
Reacting to Bidibidi’s medium, Nacion said: “My mother loved sewing. Bidibidi’s practice reminds me of her, and by collaborating with her, I get to honor my mother in a roundabout way. Her works also remind me of the vibrancy of my home province of Aklan, with its Ati-Atihan.”
Bidibidi also voiced her appreciation of Nacion’s status as an established artist.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Bidibidi, after the first meeting that brought them to talk about the collaboration. “Francis is an established artist, a master in the making, and for him to notice what we do is not just a compliment of the highest order but an affirmation that what we do is like what his paintings do: they bring joy and uplift the spirit.”
The collaboration of these two artists, though unexpected from the different mediums that they use, is intuitive and seamless. Both celebrate the hallmarks of Filipino temperament and culture: the inclination for contentment, joy, skilled work, and close familial and communal ties. They celebrate what is good in our culture, and remind us of what truly matter.
Shop now at www.gfemporium.com for collectible, functional, and wearable art. For inquiries, email info@artloungemanila.com or visit www.artloungemanila.com.
Helena Alegre's sculptural jewelry, etc.
Artist Helena Alegre gives us glimpses into her world through creations hewn from precious metals and gemstones, and ethereal seascapes and atmospheric landscapes only seen by the mind’s eye. They are as if moments—memories frozen in a state of continuous change. They are manifestations of the artist’s inner dialogue as much as they are of the nature that she surrounds herself with.
Galerie Francesca at Festival Mall in Alabang presents a breathtaking exhibition by the atmospheric abstract artist and fine jewelry designer, Helena Alegre. “Terra Firma, Terra Excelsia” showcases Alegre's captivating seascapes and exquisite jewelry, all inspired by the beauty and rawness of nature.
Helena Alegre’s deep connection with the natural world is evident in every piece she creates. Whether it is her sculptural jewelry or atmospheric abstract seascape paintings, her artistic expressions are rooted in the wonders she is surrounded by.
Situated just six kilometers away from Bagasbas beach in Daet, Camarines Norte, one of the Philippines' popular surfing spots, Alegre's studio serves as her playground and sanctuary. The mile-long stretch of fine gray sand and the wild waves crashing against the shore provide her with an endless source of inspiration. It is within this atmospheric view, accompanied by the soothing sea breeze and the symphony of waves where she finds her muse.
The seascape, a versatile subject, takes center stage in Alegre's artwork. Through her skilled brushwork, she captures the dynamic energy and ever-changing moods of the ocean. Each painting becomes a window into the vastness and mystery of the sea, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its beauty.
In addition to her seascape paintings, Alegre also presents her sculptural jewelry. Here, her inspiration stems from her fascination with nature, particularly entomology and taxonomy. Through her jewelry, Alegre brings forth the intricate details and delicate beauty of insects, infusing them with a touch of history and the cultural heritage of her adopted hometown, Camarines Norte. She uses traditional artisanal jewelry making techniques and combines that with her unique aesthetic results in bold decidedly modern pieces that encapsulate the modern filipino woman, rooted in tradition but driven forward by a clear vision of the future.
"Terra Firma, Terra Excelsia" is an exhibition that celebrates the harmony between art and nature. Helena Alegre's creations pay homage to the rawness and magnificence of the natural world, inviting us to appreciate its wonders through her eyes. Join us at Galerie Francesca, located at Festival Mall in Alabang, and embark on a journey through Alegre's captivating artworks and exquisite fine jewelry. Let her transport you to the mesmerizing landscapes of the sea and the intricate world of nature's tiny treasures.
“Terra Firma, Terra Excelsia” will be on view in Festival Mall in Alabang until September 19. For inquiries and viewing appointment, email info@galeriefrancesca.com or visit https://galeriefrancesca.com.
