Spiritualized through art with Manuel Baldemor's 'Moments with Christ'

A drop of red paint that resembled a drop of blood — this was the genesis of Manuel Baldemor’s collection, “Moments with Christ,” a series of 33 paintings that depict the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. The collection is currently on exhibit at the SM Megamall Atrium until March 31 — perfect timing for Catholic staycationers who wish to reflect and remember Christ’s passion this Holy Week. The paintings are decidedly different from the typical religious painting depicting the passion of Christ, which are usually somber and dark, done in subdued colors and soft brushstrokes. Baldemor’s works take on a Pollockian chaos, all paint drips, and bright colors—almost abstract in texture and feel. As Baldemor told GMA News Online, the technique came to him when he noticed that the red paint he was working with looked like blood, which aptly represented the suffering of Jesus. Baldemor described the technique as “a controlled accident.” “I used a pointed brush, then pinatutulo ko. It’s like a drop of blood. . .it’s not really a new technique,” he said. “I combined folk and fine art. Ngayon talagang nag-focus ako first dun sa subject, and then the technique.” Inspiration for the collection came when Baldemor saw the Black Nazarene of Quiapo in January this year. From then on, he started continuously painting 33 works, in honor of the 33 years that Christ lived on earth. Was it coincidence or divine intervention that Baldemor completed the collection right in time for Holy Week? “Na-tsempo nga naman,” he quipped. The scenes Baldemor painted seemed straight out of the traditional Stations of the Cross: Jesus condemned to death, carrying the cross, being crucified, then laid in the tomb. The collection also included paintings depicting the Annunciation, the Nativity, Jesus’ baptism—scenes that celebrated his life as a man much as his suffering as the Son of God. Several paintings also focused on Mary, whose story as Jesus' virgin mother was equally important in the collection. The series is not Baldemor’s first foray into religious themes. Prior to the series, he had already painted murals on churches, as well as several paintings depicting religious festivals in the Philippines. As a native of Paete, Laguna, known for its carving, he had also sculpted religious icons. As Baldemor explained though, this is the first time he had a spiritual experience while painting. “Dati, wala sa loob namin yung ginagawa namin,” he shared. He cited the woodcarvers of Paete as example. They would produce carvings and religious icons without realizing their significance. To them, he said, it was simply a livelihood, a way of making ends meet. But for Baldemor, the process of painting this particular collection took a more personal tone. “Talagang naging concentrated ako,” he shared. “Parang itong homage to Jesus Christ. More on meditation, talagang spiritual.”