Melchor Bernaldo was a marine who served under the Philippine 4th Battalion from Bulacan. A self-taught artist whose passion for the arts ignited when he was invited to design the annual Christmas decorations for the company where he worked as a security guard and won. His skills earned him the admiration of the residents and encouraged him to pursue his talent further.
Despite being inexperienced, he sought guidance from browsing through artbooks in bookstores, visiting galleries, and befriending other artists in his town and eventually developed his unique style. After years of hard work and practice, Melchor finally gained the confidence to sign his name on canvas and become an artist.
The Philippine Bathalumans
Bernaldo’s latest series Bathalumans, came about when he was searching for inspiration. These goddesses were worshiped by our ancestors long before the Spanish invaded our lands. Deities whose stories are buried with time, and the only records of their presence are inside old archives on dusty shelves of deserted libraries. But their life in Philippine Mythology left a deep impression on Bernaldo. From Mayari, who lost one eye, to Bakunawa, whose skin was said to be covered in scales, deities worshiped and admired for their abilities and influence. Their stories inspire and show that true beauty lies in character and spirit, in spite of their imperfections.
Art without a purpose is just a pretty decoration.
Bernaldo’s series of Goddesses is characterized by surrealistic portraits, represented as figures with skin painted in mystified h u e s adorned with colorful and detailed embellishments that reflect their divine nature. He is determined to use his talent to tell the stories of the iconic deities of our heritage. He believes it is essential for the current generation to be proud of our history and learn more about our culture. He aims to prevent these stories from disappearing and ensure that they are passed down to future generations. Bernaldo recognizes the significance of these deities and knows that by sharing their stories, he can help others appreciate the rich history of our people. He works diligently to create a narrative that will captivate and engage his audience while remaining true to the authenticity of the stories.