Farmers reaping a bountiful harvest in the rice fields, father and son enjoying an afternoon merienda of pandesal and coffee, two lovers sharing a moment with a heartfelt arena — in today’s fast-paced world, visual artist Bernard Vista focuses on capturing these simple moments that reflect on the withstanding spirit of the Filipino.

Bernard Vista’s “Countryside Chronicles,” showcases the artist’s affinity for genre painting against the backdrop of the rustic landscapes of rural Philippines. His latest series of works continue to capture simple expressions of Filipino daily life elevated with his skilled manipulation of oil pigment on canvas and stylized depictions of everyday people.

Vista was a scholar of the Saturday Group of Artists under the tutelage of National Artist Cesar Legaspi. Evoking the style and sensibilities of his contemporaries, Vista’s distinct rendering style pulls inspiration from the local cubist movement and modernist painting tradition. He reinterprets traditional imagery and techniques through his lens creating a practice that is uniquely his own.

A certain tenacity is palpable in the manner Bernard Vista paints the common townsperson. The strong silhouettes and solid lines of action in his works denote an unrelenting energy and vitality. This robust spirit is juxtaposed with the humility exhibited by his subjects as they bow their heads as if in reverence. With these unyielding and humble characters, Vista’s rural scenes are painted in bold folk colors that exude the sunny Filipino optimism that exists within the crux of his oeuvre.

“Countryside Chronicles,” is all together Bernard Vista’s ode to the Filipino spirit as he chronicles the rich customs and traditions of the people in a painted tableau of everyday moments. Following in the footsteps of modernist masters, Bernard Vista’s genre painting captures that which is distinctly Filipino, from psyche to landscapes, fostering a love of country and culture.

 “Countryside Chronicles,” by Bernard Vista runs at Galerie Joaquin BGC  from September 24 – October 6, 2024, with an Artist Reception on September 25, Wednesday, at 5 PM. Galerie Joaquin BGC is located on the Upper Ground Floor of One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Ave. Corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.