Baguio-based painter Benjie Mallari captures Manila society immediately after World War II or the era of rebuilding and reconstruction.
In this series, he depicts the warm simplicity of life back in the day through examining people from all walks of life passing through the bustling streets of Manila.
Mallari uses the idea of urban genre in depicting an idyllic remembering of what Manila was at its peak. His paintings reflect the different characters that make up Filipino society from the lens of a specific time in history. “They reference old Manila,” says Mallari, “and scenes from Escolta.”
“When Life Was Simple” will open at Galerie Raphael Serendra on Feb. 9, 6 p.m., and will run until Feb. 19.
Galerie Raphael is at The Piazza Serendra Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Call 856-3034.
