Inspired by fairy tales by the likes of Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, and Lewis Carroll among others, movie adaptations have given us a different take on our childhood bedtime stories. The heroines themselves also became a large part of what made these stories withstand the test of time.
In particular, these adaptations portrayed these beloved female characters as strong women who discovered themselves through journeys and quests and emerged victorious after conquering various challenges and obstacles. The female protagonists are depicted as being beautiful both inside and out and were not the usual “damsels in distress” that the original fairy tale stories presented them to be. These heroines instead displayed strength of character and are spirited, independent and brave.
It is in the retelling of these tales that artist Astrid Castillo-Almario finds inspiration for her exhibit “Timeless.” Featuring 16 paintings from 11 beloved tales, Astrid allows her viewers to revisit their childhood fantasies through the dresses of the female characters.
Rendered against a dark background, the intricate craftsmanship of the dresses is evident in the purposeful brushstrokes that give each dress a dynamic feel. The artist’s attention to detail and focus on what seems to be unseen movements of the creases and folds of the fabric cleverly bring each dress and ultimately, each character to life.
From the innocence of Alice’s blue and white dress which bore witness to her wonderful adventures, to the magical jeweled hues of the dresses of the three good fairies of Princess Aurora’s story, the viewer feels like he/she is drawn into the story, thus experiencing the magic firsthand. Astrid Castillo-Almario’s “Timeless” takes us back to 1937’s first feature-length animated film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” all the way to the more recent adaptations like “Brave” and “Frozen.”
Through this exhibit, Castillo-Almario encourages her viewers to journey with her through different centuries and places, both real and imagined. She helps us navigate various time periods and historical eras and, in a sense, gives us a glimpse of what it was like through the fashion of that time. More importantly, Astrid allows us the opportunity to wish, hope and believe and with a little luck and some pixie dust, be brave enough to dream.
“Timeless” will be on view until April 22, 2023 at Galerie Joaquin BGC. It is located on the Upper Ground Floor of One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Ave. Corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
