A surge of creative energy is about to transform the College of Saint Benilde, as ten artists prepare to unveil groundbreaking projects exploring the intricate relationship between art, technology, and the environment. Each artist has been awarded a substantial grant, a catalyst for ideas still taking shape, poised to bloom into compelling installations and thought-provoking works.
This year’s Benilde Open Design + Art exhibition, titled “Extension of Nature,” isn’t simply about showcasing art; it’s a call to action. It challenges artists to confront the urgent realities of our time – climate change, ecological fragility – and to envision a future where technology doesn’t dominate nature, but harmonizes with it.
The selection process wasn’t about ticking boxes or assigning points. It was a vibrant exchange of ideas, a deep dive into the potential of each proposal. Remarkably, the jury wasn’t comprised of local voices, but a diverse panel of international design leaders, deliberating across time zones with unwavering engagement.
From Madrid to New York, jurors representing the forefront of global design – curators, professors, and even a designer from the original iPhone team – were captivated by the quality of the submissions. The sheer volume of impressive proposals made the final selection agonizing, a testament to the burgeoning talent within the artistic community.
The chosen ten represent a stunning range of disciplines. Expect video art that stirs the soul, mixed media that challenges perception, and industrial designs that reimagine our interaction with the world. Their subject matter is equally diverse, tackling anxieties about the climate, the complexities of urban life, and even the preservation of fading traditions.
Beyond the individual projects, the exhibition aims to foster a unique learning environment. Benilde students will have the rare opportunity to witness these visions come to life, gaining invaluable insights into the creative process and the boundless possibilities of their own work.
Complementing the grantees’ work will be “anchor exhibitions,” including “Poets of Physics.” This exhibit features artists who see scientific phenomena not as obstacles, but as collaborators – like David Medalla’s mesmerizing “Cloud Canyons,” a constantly evolving sculpture of foam and bubbles.
The exhibition’s title itself is inspired by Medalla, who described himself as “a poet who celebrates physics.” This lineage of artistic exploration – a fusion of creativity and scientific understanding – is precisely what this year’s grantees are poised to continue.
In a world grappling with ecological crisis and rapid technological advancement, the creative mind has a vital role to play. “Extension of Nature” isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to explore the delicate balance between the made world and the natural world, and to imagine a future where they coexist in harmony.
“Extension of Nature” will be on display from April 11 to 27 at the College of Saint Benilde’s School of Design + Arts campus in Manila, offering a glimpse into a future where art and technology serve as powerful allies to the environment.
