The Poet of Concrete: The Architecture of National Artist Leandro Locsin, a retrospective of the life and works of one of the most important names in the field of Philippine art and design, opens to the public today, September 26, at the 12F Gallery of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila.

The first section walks the viewers into the creative journey and illustrious career of Locsin, also known as Lindy, providing comprehensive timeline of his most iconic buildings, which are presented through a collection of facsimiles of original drawings, as well as photographs and models, courtesy of Leandro V Locsin Partners (LVLP). 

Also highlighted are his works for La Salle, his awards as an outstanding alumnus of the school, his first and last projects. It will highlight the structures he designed that have since been demolished.

The second part delves into Locsin’s enduring influence and legacy as seen through the current work of LVLP, now headed by his son Andy. 

It showcases a series of images, text, and scale models of key projects, which the firm has designed since Locsin’s passing in 1994. 

The exhibition was produced by the Center for Campus Art of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and LVLP.

The show also looks into the future of architecture through the lens of young talents from DLS-CSB School of Environment and Design.

Under the mentorship of Architects Jim Caumeron and Kyle Nuestro, the students conceptualized and designed buildings in response to Locsin’s renowned Brutalist approach and principles. Their scale models, along with dialogues, demonstrate how Locsin’s legacy informs the next generation of artists.

The show likewise features excerpts from the essays of Filipino architects for the upcoming exhibit catalog, to include Gerard Lico, Caryn Paredes-Santillan, and AJ Javier, among others, as they reflect on Locsin’s work. 

The Poet of Concrete: The Architecture of National Artist Leandro Locsin is curated by CCA director architect Gerry Torres. 

It is open to the public from until Dec. 14, 2024