This February, the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre (HKVAC) becomes a sanctuary for emotional resonance as it hosts a solo exhibition by acclaimed Filipino artist Loida “Baloi” Bernardo. Organized by Gail Hills of Galleria Camaya and curated by Rodolfo Canete Jr., the show—titled Beyond the Horizon—serves as a cornerstone celebration for the Philippines’ National Arts Month 2026.
Painting the Feeling, Not the View
Loida Bernardo has carved out a unique space in contemporary Filipino art by moving away from literal depictions of nature. Her work doesn’t ask you to identify a specific mountain or shoreline; instead, it asks you to remember how those places felt. Through a masterful use of acrylics and mixed media on box-type canvases, Bernardo captures the fleeting “Golden Hour” or the specific, heavy quiet that follows a rainstorm.
Her technique is deeply tactile. By layering textures, she creates a visual choreography that pulls the viewer in close. Whether the piece is an intimate study or a large-scale immersive canvas, the focus remains on a balance of warmth and coolness. Works like Bright Night and Above the Clouds aren’t just titles—they are invitations to inhabit a specific mood or memory.
A Bridge for the Diaspora
Curator Rodolfo Canete Jr. notes that Bernardo’s strength lies in her ability to distill landscapes into their emotional essence. “She paints what a place does to you, not what it looks like,” Canete explains. This perspective offers a rare depth for the Hong Kong art community and the Filipino diaspora alike, providing a moment of contemplation in the heart of the city’s Central district.
Exhibition Details & Attendance
The exhibition runs from February 4 to 9, 2026, at the HKVAC Exhibition Hall on Kennedy Road. The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 4 at 6:00 PM, offering a first look at these poetic visions. For those looking to experience the intersection of Filipino heritage and abstract modernism, this is a must-visit highlight of the February art calendar.
- Venue: Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, 5/F, 7A Kennedy Road, Central.
- Dates: February 5–8 (10 AM – 9 PM); February 9 (Close at 1 PM).
- Organized by: Galleria Camaya.
