As part of its year-long 15th anniversary celebration, Salcedo Auctions’ gallery arm, Salcedo Private View, presents a special exhibition dedicated to the visionary modernist master, Constancio Bernardo. This landmark event shines a spotlight on the enduring legacy and pioneering spirit of one of the Philippines’ most important postwar abstractionists, and reaffirms Salcedo’s commitment to elevating Filipino art on the global stage.
Ongoing until August 2, the show, Constancio Bernardo: Color & Clarity, gathers rarely seen paintings from the artist’s estate, now available to Manila’s discerning collectors. It highlights the breadth and evolution of his practice, which took a pivotal turn when he studied at Yale, where Bernardo met the influential artist, educator, and Bauhaus proponent Josef Albers.
‘Wild Flower Series I No. 6,’ 1977 (Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions)
‘Rhapsody Square (Pre-’80s Series No. 15),’ 1979 (Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions)
Albers opened Bernardo’s eyes to the polar opposite of Fernando Amorsolo’s classical teachings, which the maestro instilled in the young Bernardo, one of his most promising students at the University of the Philippines’ College of Fine Arts. Under Albers’ tutelage later on, Bernardo absorbed and reinterpreted modernist principles, which led to rigorous explorations in colors and the minimalist style.
‘Buklod ’86 (Caganapan), acrylic, 1988 (Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions)
‘Bernardian Rhapsody Square (80s Series No. 25),’ acrylic, 1980. (Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions)
On show are 18 works completed from the ’70s to the ’80s, as well a special piece that Bernardo started during his studies at Yale—a favorite of the artist—to provide visitors a more comprehensive understanding of the artist’s body of work. Bernardo began working on his acrylic masterpiece, entitled Perpetual Motion, in 1950, and continued to refine it until 1980.
“That one was always on display in his house,” reveals Bernardo’s granddaughter, Leah Reyes, “sometimes in the sala, sometimes in the studio—but always where there’s plenty of light.”
‘Transparencies and Interlocks No. 7,’ acrylic, 1979 (Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions)
Color & Clarity is a highlight of Salcedo Private View’s 2025 exhibition calendar, a fitting choice, according to Salcedo Auctions chairman and chief specialist Ramon Lerma. “Constancio Bernardo was not just a pioneer in abstraction; he was a visionary who saw beyond the canvas,” he says. “We chose to show his works because we see it as our mission to bring focus to the underreported or underappreciated. Unfamiliar to most, Bernardo’s legacy is foundational to the development of modern Philippine art. Through this exhibition, we hope to provide a deeper understanding of his philosophical and aesthetic contributions and offer a rare opportunity for audiences to engage with his genius up close.
‘Penumbra No. 5,’ acrylic, 1977 (Image courtesy of Salcedo Auctions)
“In celebrating Bernardo, we also celebrate Salcedo Auction’s own journey,” Lerma added. “Fifteen years ago, we set out with the vision of building a platform where Filipino art could thrive—locally and internationally. This exhibition is both a tribute and a promise for the future.”
‘Constancio Bernardo: Color & Clarity’ will run up to August 2, at Salcedo Auctions, Ground and Podium levels, NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. View the catalogue here: CATALOGUE. For inquiries, please call tel. nos. (632) 8823-0956 and (632) 8659-9024, or mobile numbers (+63917) 107-5581 and (+63917) 591-2191 or email info@salcedoauctions.com.
