A 15-PIECE Byzantine-inspired art collection of the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and other significant biblical scenes ingrained with Mindanao symbolism is currently presented within the halls of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).
Billed as the La Sagrada Familia: A Sacred Art Exposition, it features the artwork of Brother Edgardo Hugo Campos, an Argentinian and member of the Brothers of the Holy Family.
“More than art appreciation, this sacred art exhibit is for contemplation,” Campos said.
Campos, who has been a missionary brother in Davao City since 2001, said art is an important contribution in evangelization especially in his own work. While the collection recounts the important milestones of the life of the Holy Family, from Nativity up to Jesus’ resurrection it also pays tribute to Mindanao by incorporating Mindanaoan elements like Lumads, nipa hut, rice, indigenous beadworks and tapestry.
“In my artwork, I pay homage to the rich culture of Mindanao, my home for almost 18 years now,” Campos said.
The La Sagrada Familia collection depicts icons, such as Mary Mother of God, Joseph, and Jesus as an infant, as a child, as Lord of the Universe, among others. It also features Biblical scenes including the Nativity, the Way of the Cross, and the Resurrection.
“I believe the exhibit is a manifestation of what Pope Francis said that the Church grows by attracting not proselytism,” he added.
Ateneo president Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ in his message during the opening ceremony said AdDU is co-presenting this exhibit with the Embassy of Argentina in Manila in celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Argentina and the Philippines and 70 years of Ateneo de Davao as a Catholic, Filipino, and Jesuit university.
“Through this exhibit, Ateneo conveys its commitment to the promotion of the Catholic faith through art. It is a way by which the University can inspire students and other people to confirm their faith and experience the divine mysteries in a context that privileges Mindanao cultures,” AdDU Excutive Vice President Jeremy Eliab said.
Argentine Ambassador H.E. Jose Nestor Ureta graced the opening of the Sacred Art exhibit.
“We are happy to celebrate our diplomatic relations with the Philippines, which started in 1948, through the artworks of Bro. Edgardo, an Argentine who has shared his life here in Mindanao for 17 years already,” Ureta said.
“The exhibit was made part of the activities of the 70th Anniversary of the AdDU because like the University, it celebrates faith and cultural sensitivity and transformation,” said Abraham Garcia, Jr., artist, curator, and art professor of AdDU.
He said the exhibit demonstrates the nexus of three cultures: an Argentine painting traditional European Catholic images that show Filipino, particularly Mindanao indigenous and Islamized influences.
“The exhibit is seen as encouraging reflection and action on faith and intercultural dialogue, which the University values deeply,” Garcia said.
La Sagrada Familia is the second Sacred Art Exhibit of Brother Edgardo.
In 2016, he has also staged The Nativity Scenes and Symbols in Yuchengco Museum in Makita in cooperation with The Embassy of Argentina.
The La Sagrada Familia art exposition is open to public from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October 25, 2018 at the Multipurpose Room, Miguel Pro Learning Commons 2nd Floor Community Center of the First Companions Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto St. Davao City. (Sherwin B. Manual)