BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod visual artist Bert Berondo, Sr. opened his solo art exhibition at Café Oscar at the Belle Arte Residential Condominium in Galo-Mabini streets, Bacolod City on December 3, that will run until mid-February 2022.
Berondo is a self-taught artist who discovered his innate talent when he was still a little boy and experimented with all types of media until he found his ultimate calling in pen-and-ink, as well as terra cotta.
Bell Arte Residential Condominium developer Lilia Villanueva said the theme of Berondo’s show is “Mother and Child” since it is Christmas season and it also features other holiday themes.
Villanueva said they have started their little art exhibition program in the cafe a year ago and specialize in showing local artists who have had considerable experience in doing their art. “This is our small contribution to getting the word out that we have very talented artists in Bacolod and that showing their work in an intimate space like Cafe Oscar, named after her father Oscar Villanueva, has a different feel than showing art in a regular gallery.”
It gives people, who really do not pay attention to original works of art, a closer look at the artworks. Hopefully, when people come here to eat or have coffee, they will notice the different artworks being displayed and start asking about them, which is exactly the purpose of showing art – not only showing art on the wall but showing art as part of their daily lives, she said.
Villanueva cited for example their coffee mugs which are adorned by original works of local artist Ana Mae Torres Lacson and ceramic artworks by Anaware Factory, as well as the “broom art” of Bagiuo, which for her is also a work of art.
They also show the works of prominent artists like Patis Tesoro of Manila who has translated her works from textile to paintings which are now in laminated placemats, Villanueva said.
“So, it’s not just regular paintings that we want to show. We also want to show people the breath that art is really in everyday pieces that we use. That is why we want to be a venue for artistic works aside from the coffee and food which are artistically presented,” she said.
They are strong proponents and advocates for the arts, Villanueva added.*
