Nut shells become 'canvas' in this Mabini exhibit

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

June 5, 2018, 4:14 pm

"Madonna and Child" is one of the "bao paintings" on display at the A-Bao Nut Art Exhibition at Museo ni Apolinario Mabini-Polytechnic University of the Philippines. (Photo by Bernadette Solina-Wolf)

MANILA -- In line with the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month, the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini in Sta. Mesa, Manila launched on Friday its first nut art exhibition dubbed as "A-Bao Nut Art Exhibit".

Rosana Misolas, museum curator, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that most Filipinos think only of the Independence Day celebration come the month of June.

"In my opinion, people forget that June is also the celebration of environment month, that's why we held this exhibit which shows the artistic youth that “bao” or nut shells like these can be recycled and recreated into a piece of art," she said.

Misolas added that the exhibit also aims to show that nut shells can serve as canvas for painting which usually cost cheaper than the usual media available in the market.

The exhibit showcases the classic painting skills of freelance artist Bernadette Solina-Wolf which convey a Filipiniana theme.

The exhibit offers 21 nut shells which hold painted images of Philippine birds, games, indigenous groups and sea creatures. Beside each of the "bao painting" is a short description explaining the subject of the art piece.Misolas said the items are displayed in different places like the Ayala Museum, Museum of Political History in Bulacan and Emilio Aguinaldo museum in Cavite.

The exhibit is open to the public for free and it will run for the whole month of June. It is located beside the entrance staircase of Bahay ni Apolinario Mabini.

The Philippine Environment Month celebration is mandated by Proclamation no. 237 signed in 1998 by then President Corazon Aquino.

It aims to enhance world ecology and recognize the importance of environmental awareness and concern among the various sectors of the Philippine society. (PNA)

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