THE UST Museum joined forces with the Communications Bureau to mount a “virtual exhibit” titled “Heirlooms of Authority,” to mark Fr. Richard Ang, O.P.’s appointment as the 97th Rector of the University.
Showcased in the virtual exhibit were items associated with the rectorship, such as official portraits, furniture and ceremonial objects.
The exhibit, actually a short video, premiered on social media on Oct. 11.
“It aims to educate everyone regarding objects related to university leadership and its heritage that is part of the collection of the UST Museum, Miguel de Benavides Library and Archives,” UST Museum Director Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
Among the items featured in the video were Tony Noël’s 2.3-meter statue of UST founder Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P. in front of Plaza Mayor, and the mural “Archbishop Benavides Signing his Will” by D.A. Celis, which won first place in a painting competition during the University’s 300th foundation year in 1911.
The mural, depicting Msgr. Benavides signing the official documents to establish the University, was later copied in a section of the mural on the lobby of the Main Building made by Antonio Garcia Llamas in 1952-1954.
Other items in the exhibit included 17th-century twin silver maces, Rector’s chairs from the 19th and 20th centuries, official trays dating to the 1800s, and collar medallions made in 1969 and 1971.
Fr. Abaño said that because of advances in technology, multiple museum collections have become accessible to museum visitors, who are now “in the form of viewers.”
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of digital media has also been maximized.
“Virtual museums/exhibits released at this time are proof that the museum presentations grow and evolve into a format that can still be enjoyed by all despite the threat of the Pandemic,” UST Museum Assistant Director Carlo Sayco said.
“Physically one cannot visit museums at this time, but museums adjust, museums grow and museums find ways to present their collections and to showcase specialized exhibits for the education and enjoyment of the general public,” he added.
“Heirlooms of Authority” was the museum’s second virtual gallery after “The Rosary – Into the Garden of Paradise,” which was launched last Oct. 7. Jiselle Anne C. Casucian
