Witness the genius of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning German artist Hans Bacher, the production designer of the blockbuster Mulan (1998), as he exhibits for the first time in the Philippines the vigorous yet colorful journey behind the design of one of the most iconic films in the history of animation.
The Hans Bacher Collection: Mulan official poster
Through the initiative of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)’s Center for Campus Art (CCA) and the AB Animation Program, The Hans Bacher Collection, a series of exhibits that tours spectators into the creative process of some of the legendary animator’s masterpieces, was launched at the halls of the 11th floor of the College’s School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus on Saturday.
Mulan, known for its theme on identity while challenging the barriers of gender and sexuality, marks the first wave of the exhibition. It features an interestingly wide array of materials —from sketches, design and character studies, behind-the-scenes direction to promotional materials and video clips of the actual film—that will provide a walkthrough on how the movie’s remarkable characters and sceneries were transformed from concepts into life.
Also on the loop is CCA’s exclusive interview with the Bacher himself as he shares his artistic philosophy and personal venture in the world of animation.
“We aim to demystify design,” CCA Director Architect Gerry Torres shared. “We hope that through this exhibit, we can demonstrate the long and arduous process behind creative outputs so people who are not in the field can understand the works of artists and designers.”
“Benilde has been collaborating with Hans Bacher for years but this is the first time that he will be exhibiting his works in our own halls,” Torres added. “Will he be teaching here in the future? Who knows?”
Bacher has also worked on the visual development of a number of Disney Films including Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), Lion King (1994), Hercules (1997), Fantasia 2000 (1999), Lilo and Stitch (2002), and Brother Bear (2003) among others.
He has marked his name as film designer, art director, independent masterclass lecturer, and educator in various art universities and studios in key cities such as Taipei, Dusseldorf, Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo.
The celebrated artist has also authored various design books such as Dream Worlds, Vision: Color and Composition for Film, and Sketchbook: Composition Studies for Film.
The Hans Bacher Collection: Mulan is on view until Aug. 31 at the 11th floor, School of Design and Arts (SDA) Campus, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), Pablo Ocampo (Vito Cruz) Street, Malate, Manila.