The shared spotlight shines on young and talented Production Design students of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) who showcase their creations at the retrospective exhibit entitled Badong: Salvador Bernal Designs the Stage.
The show, which opened on Sept. 29 at the SDA Campus Gallery, highlights the apprentice’s works, with themes that span different eras, including Egyptian, Renaissance, Edwardian, Fantasy, Rococo and Elizabethan.
Inspired by Badong Bernal, National Artist for Theater and Design, and under the expert guidance of Eric Pineda—who was once an apprentice of Bernal, and now a professor at Benilde—the choice selection included Amneris by Chelsea Boncodin, Cardinal by Charlene Andrea Samson Catindig, Helena by Jasmine Sadsad, Hippolyta by Nica Santos, Lady Fidget by Kylie Nadine Agero, Mary Start by Candy Leviste, and Oberon by Sang Hoon Lee.
The galley highlights Bernal’s obra maestras, such as scale models, costumes and digital images, in ballet, opera, theater and film, from the ’70s until he passed away in 2011. These were created when he was then resident designer of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in collaboration with Ballet Philippines, with dance legends Alice and Denisa Reyes and Tanghalang Pilipino, with theater icon, the late Rolando Tinio.
“The inclusion of our students’ works is conclusive proof of Bernal’s everlasting heritage,” Architect Gerry Torres, Center for Campus Art Director and Co-curator of the exhibit explains.
The show is guest curated by Dr. Nicanor Tiongson and Gino Gonzales, who were both close collaborators of the artist.
The exhibit is open daily except Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will end on Dec. 17. The SDA Gallery is located at 12th floor, SDA Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.
Photos by PJ Almera