Kapampangan ladies take center stage in photo exhibit

TRAILBLAZER photographer and artist Ruston Banal has done it again -- this time he has taken the cause of women empowerment through his new genre of “impressiography”, highlighting notable and influential ladies in today’s Kapampangan society.

Held at the SM City Pampanga Building 4, the Monday noon exhibit was fully packed by supporters, photography enthusiasts, socialites and local artists who came to marvel at Banal’s newfound passion in reinventing his photography.

Dubbed “Pinay Pride”, the exhibit opened on Monday and will run until March 17.

Ten women were featured in the event through photo portraits done in an illusion of "impasto" (thickly textured paint) that brings back the orthodox approach and method of the Classics and Modern Period of European Impressionism using digital technology.

Banal uses the computer as a tool to make a rebirth of the style of18th century Impressionists painters like Monet, Cezanne and Van Gogh. The event is aimed at drawing attention to the notable contributions of women in today’s society.

The women in the exhibit have made a mark in different areas like politics, business, civic work and community programs. Photo portraits displayed in the event include that of Angie Hizon, Vilma Caluag, Nor Pineda, Alma Twano, Tess Guanzon, Lina Velez, and Agnes Romero.

“The event pays tribute to women and serves as a reminder that we should always be mindful of the contributions in society but also in the different sectors of our community,” Banal said.

Meanwhile, Herminia Pamintuan, wife of Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan lauded Banal for honoring women with his photography. She said that she is particularly impressed with how Banal breathes fresh life into ordinary photographs.

Banal is a graduate of Fine Arts (magna cum laude) from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a major in Art History and Minor in Painting. He is currently a lecturer of Art History and Theory at the De La Salle University (CSB Design Foundation). He also holds teaching stints at the University of the East College of Fine Arts and Ateneo de Manila University.

Ruston Banal started out as an art photographer to some of the country’s top visual artists, documenting artworks and objects used for publication materials and biography-portfolio books. (Ian Ocampo Flora)