Bernadette Delos Santos, commonly known as BidiBidi, exemplifies profound connection between nature and creativity through artistry.

Words and Photos Art Lounge Manila
April 29, 2024

Mother Nature is a recurring character that transcends cultures, personifying the nurturing and replenishing qualities of the natural world. The concept of Mother Nature has been present in various mythologies and cultures throughout history, with references dating back to ancient times. The idea of nature being represented as a woman has been solidified over the years, particularly during the Enlightenment period. This concept has been depicted through various names such as Gaia, Persephone, and Inanna, symbolizing the connection between nature and femininity, so it had to be a woman.

Nature and art have indeed shared a longstanding and intertwined relationship with artists drawing inspiration from the beauty of Mother Nature to create captivating works of art. The natural world, with its diverse landscapes and intricate details, has served as a muse for artists seeking to capture its essence in their art throughout history. Bernadette Delos Santos, commonly known as BidiBidi, exemplifies this profound connection between nature and the artist through her creativity and artistry. Her artist space at Cafe des Artes in Ba’ao, Camarines Sur features a beautiful garden with wooden sculptures and vibrant murals that adorn the facade of the creative space. This is where an immersively inspiring environment sparks BidiBidi’s artistic brilliance.

Her latest exhibition with Art Lounge Manila, “This Is It”, is a portrayal of Mother Nature as the face of a woman. This representation suggests a deep reverence for the life-giving qualities associated with the woman and nature. Through this artistic expression, BidiBidi not only celebrates women as a symbol of life but also emphasizes the harmony and symbiotic relationship between the feminine, the art, and the natural world.

BidiBidi is recognized for the bold, boundless, and vivid colors of her floral and abstract paintings. In this new series, however, she showcases a more delicate side to her creations through colorful hand-made embroidery embedded in a soft lush scape of nature, lush foliage, and a subtle rendition of what the artist imagines to be a forest, above ground and underwater. BidiBidi's passionate yet gracious personality is reflected in this collection, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

BidiBidi’s 10th solo exhibition “This Is It” is a reminder that there is no perfect personified representation of Mother Nature other than embodying it in the form of a mother—a woman. This mesmerizing exhibition will be on view from April 20 to May 4, 2024, at Art Lounge Manila in The Podium, Mandaluyong.

For more information about Art Lounge Manila, visit www.artloungemanila.com. You may also check their social media pages, FB/IG/YT: @artloungemanila, for more details. For collectible, functional and wearable art, shop at www.gfemporium.com