August 11, 2022 | 11:54 am
MANILA, Philippines – Three masterpieces by National Artist for Visual Arts Fernando Amorsolo are turned into brick mosaic art at the ongoing “Project Amorsolo” exhibit from August 9 to 14 in Grand Atrium of the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.
Members of the Pinoy Lego Users Group (PinoyLUG) recreated the scenes depicted in three of Amorsolo’s beloved classics during the pandemic. PinoyLUG are Lego builders and hobbyists who are working on the project in collaboration with the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, Inc.
“Bayanihan” (1959) is an iconic oil on canvas painting by the “Old Man of Philippine Art,” depicting the Filipino custom of helping one another. In this painting, villagers are seen lifting a bahay kubo while a figure wearing a salakot (straw hat) leads them to the nipa hut’s new home. This beautiful picture of bayanihan is emphasized with Amorsolo’s love of light, his abundance in similar colors that often produce a dramatic effect on his subjects.
“Bayanihan” was donated to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Museum by the family of the late former President Diosdado Macapagal, who was a 1933 alumnus of the UST’s Faculty of Civil Law.
“Early Traders” (1959) is another piece that depicts a number of subjects engaged in an activity. This time it features natives engaging with Western traders in what literature says was a barter transaction.
“Dalagang Bukid” (1937) is among Amorsolo’s portraits. This particular portrait is easily identifiable by the master artist with his smiling subject dressed in Filipiniana while holding a clay jar (banga). Apart from his landscapes, Amorsolo was also busy painting portraits, many of which were commissioned works.
These masterpieces were handpicked by PinoyLUG to be made into brick mosaic art for their themes that align with Lego’s mission to create communities that build and share together.
“Project Amorsolo” is also a timely effort as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Amorsolo’s nomination as the country’s first National Artist.
The title was conferred on him on 28 April 1972, four days after his death from heart failure at the age of 79 on 24 April 1972.
Besides viewing the Amorsolo brick mosaic art exhibit, mall goers can join the Lego Free Play and Activity. It is held in partnership with ToysRUs, where anyone can join and build their own Lego masterpiece throughout the exhibition period.
There is also the Painting for Kids workshop led by the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, Inc. on August 13 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm Registration fee is P800, art materials included. The same foundation is also hosting the Sketching for Adults Workshop on August 14 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm with a registration fee of P500, art materials included. Interested participants can join by sending an email to [email protected]
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