Revival Sculpture

Have you ever felt the weight of history embodied in a single piece of art? Here at the Revival Sculpture, crafted by Wilson William M. Baldemor in 2011, you can almost feel it. The Revival Sculpture is more than just metal shaped into form. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Philippine art, a revival of artistic traditions that span centuries. The National Museum holds a rich collection of sculptures, dating back to the 18th century. These works, much like the Revival Sculpture, speak volumes about the Filipino identity. Think of the anito and bulul figures of the Cordillera region. Imagine the intricate okir and pako-rabong designs adorning the sarimanok, naga, and panolong in Mindanao. These pre-colonial art forms echo in the modern works of artists like Baldemor. The Revival Sculpture stands as a connection between the past and present. It acknowledges the influence of Spanish colonial art, where religious imagery replaced indigenous idols. This period saw the rise of Filipino and Chinese craftsmen in Manila and Paete, Laguna. From these workshops emerged secular art, portraits, and classical sculptures inspired by the Academia de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado de Manila. The Revival Sculpture embodies this evolution, reflecting the modern and contemporary styles that flourished after World War II. Baldemor’s choice of metal as his medium is a nod to this modern era. Here, at the Revival Sculpture, you can witness this artistic legacy.