Pinoy artist Manuel Baldemor mounts exhibit in Austria

To mark the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence in June, Filipino veteran artist Manuel Baldemor mounted an exhibit at the Vienna International Center -- home of the United Nations -- in Vienna, Austria. Baldemor, 65, mounted the exhibit "Impressions: An Art Exhibition of Paintings," a revisit of his mural portraying Filipino culture, according to a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) news release. The exhibit featured 39 unique art pieces at the lobby of the VIC.   The exhibit was viewed by members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the United Nations and leaders of the Filipino community in Austria. The DFA said "Impressions" was unveiled in 1999 as “Pasasalamat” by former Philippine President Fidel Ramos. Ambassador Lourdes Yparraguirre remarked: "the Filipino nation has found a renewed sense of purpose to defend the rights and freedoms that we have earned and to strengthen the democratic institutions and processes that have guided our way of life." Simple, geometric shapes Baldemor's profile on the art site Art Circle said the artist is best known for his paintings portraying sceneries in simple geometric shapes with a folk art touch.  "His hometown, its people, their day-to-day activities, and their celebrations have been the consistent subjects of his art. He has also painted international genre and landscape scenes," his profile said. "His numerous international grants have enabled him to capture the scenery of other countries in his signature style as well as share his art with people abroad," it added. Born on March 26, 1947 in Paete, Laguna, Baldemor trained in the workshops of the town's wood-carvers and santeros or makers of religious images. Aside from being an artist, Baldemor is also an art columnist for a national newspaper. He is known in different parts of the world and his works are also featured in UNICEF greeting cards. In 2007, Baldemor's “Karo ng Sorbetes” painting helped the Philippines garner a Unesco seat at the 34th general conference in Paris. His art is well-known internationally as his works are frequently used for UNICEF cards. - VVP, GMA News