Exhibit Catalogue OF Constancio Bernardo At CCP

12/3/2016

Mounted on Constancio Bernardo’s 101st birth anniversary, the retrospective in two simultaneous venues at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Bulwagang Juan Luna (main gallery) and Bulwagang Fernando Amorsolo (small gallery) showcases around eighty-seven select pieces representing the artist’s broad concerns over a period of half a century.

Known mainly as a geometric abstractionist, Constancio Ma. Anastacio Bernardo quietly produced an extensive yet diverse body of works. The Constancio Ma. Bernardo Catalogue Raissone 1999-2001 undertaken by eldest son Angelo with funding from the Ayala Foundation documents 16 volumes of paintings and drawings. They range from his academic nudes, portraits, landscapes, and still lifes done as a student at the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Fine Arts (SFA) to his further explorations in various painterly techniques, materials and theories.

Included are large scale pieces previously exhibited in the artist’s major shows at the CCP, Luz Gallery, and the Museum of Philippine Art (MOPA) among others. Exemplifying his various series of abstractions, many of these works are shown together here for the first time.

The retrospective also included the 1977 acrylic Transmutation VI donated at the MOPA and the 1973 acrylic ensemble Light, Twilight, and Night donated to the CCP. The three-piece ensemble is displayed beside his changing self portraits through the years. Such juxtaposition in this retrospective introduces the many phases of Bernardo’s art.

Ribbon cutting ceremony from L-R, Rodino G. Bernardo (CMaB Foundation Chairman) , the exhibit curator Roberto Paulino, honorary guest, Cora Alma de Leon (Civil Service Commission, DSWD) and Angelo G. Bernardo (MuseoB Foundation Chairman).

Victoria Herrera, Visual Arts and Museum Director, CCP

Alexander M. Dacanay (d.2017), journalist, poet and literary writer recited a poem composed by poet Ricaredo Demetillo dedicated to his friend CB and his art.