Rust From The Gothic Revival San Sebastian Basilica Is Recreated Into 35 Works Of Art

The San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation Inc., in partnership with 22 local artists, is proud to host Para Sa Ina: Rust to Art Exhibit, a fully digital fundraiser to celebrate the fusion of faith, innovation, and art. This event will open from 28 January to April 2022 with all proceeds going to support the teams of people who continue to work on the restoration of the historic basilica.

Curated by Asst. Prof. Mary Ann Venturina-Bulanadi, PhD of the University of Sto. Tomas, this online selling exhibition will feature 35 unique paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces that incorporate rust collected from the all-metal San Sebastian Basilica. Local artists experimented with various methods and materials to create works inspired by their reflections on the devotions to Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel of San Sebastian) and Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Our Lady of Health), and their history in the basilica.

“The rust takes on new meaning…becomes a new beginning, a renewal of faith, a birthing of new ideas, and best of all, a conduit of our love to the Blessed Mother. It becomes light in a moment of darkness and despair,” explains curator Asst. Prof. Venturina-Bulanadi.

Para Sa Ina will be the second rust to art exhibit hosted by the foundation since 2018  with Reredos, an informal group of artists specializing in religious art. This year’s exhibit line-up of 22 artists will include others outside of Reredos like Joe Datuin, Lawton Ladao, and Al Perez.

 The digital exhibit opens on 28 January and will be available exclusively on the foundation’s website www.sansebastianconservation.org. The artworks will be available to purchase through the foundation from the opening day until April 2022.

For more information about Para Sa Ina: Rust to Art Exhibit, you may contact the foundation at officialstore@savesansebastian.org  or visit the official Facebook or Instagram.