COLLEGE of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) Regent Rev. Fr. Edgardo Alaurin, O. P. used steel pipes and light to depict Mary’s roles as “Stella Maris” and “Stella Matutina” in the one-man show “Lumen Ténebras Vincit!” that opened at the UST Museum last Oct. 16.
“Lumen Ténebras Vincit!” is a Latin phrase that translates to “light conquers darkness.”
“I related [my artworks] to Mama Mary, and my sculptures show the importance of the light. [This depicts that] even in darkness, light always shines,” Alaurin told the Varsitarian.
Alaurin sought the assistance of the Facilities Management Office (FMO) in setting up his exhibit due to his electrophobia.
“I asked the services of the FMO [sa] pagkabit ng wiring. [Pero] I did all the tightening and welding,” he said.
Alaurin’s alpha piece, “Santo Pescador,” is a 19 3/4″ x 13″ x 13″ inch pipe sculpture on a 1 2/4″ x 9 1/2″ x 8″ wooden base resembling a fisherman.
“In Mexico, [Mary] is Nuestra de Señora de la Luz, which also means light. The devotion was introduced by Sicilian fishermen which comprised majority of [Mexico],” Alaurin said.
“Our Lady of Light and Salvation,” a 28″ 9″ x 10″ in. assemblage on 1 3/4″ x 9 1/2″ wood that portrays a figure holding two smaller figures, was Alaurin’s omega piece.
“Chimp bot,” a 13″ x 14″ 8 1/2″ assemblage on 1 3/4″ 16″ 10 1/2″ wood, along with “Baby Chimp Bot,” a 15 1/4″ x 17″ 6 1/4″ pipe sculpture on 1 1/4″ x 11″ x 16″ wooden base, were also part of the exhibit.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga taga-CFAD, we are like God. We recreate what God has created but we make it beautiful and pleasant,” Alaurin said.
“Lumen Ténebras Vincit!” runs until Nov. 8. N.B.H. Crucillo
