Visual artist Rene Jose Bituin’s solo exhibit “Pining” comes from a place of profound personal reflection. It is dedicated to the woman whose memory continues to inspire and shape his life.

“Pining is my mother’s nickname. She passed away very recently,” says Bituin. I’ve decided to shift the initial idea I had for the show, dedicating it instead to her memory.”

This heartfelt tribute is evident throughout the exhibit ongoing at the Upper Gallery 3 of Pinto Art Museum, where viewers see how Bituin channels his grief and admiration into a collection that celebrates both his mother’s life and the impact she left behind. At the same time, they get to meet Bituin’s mother through his art, how she was a pillar of strength, a source of love, a guiding force in life. 

The exhibit features a blend of Bituin’s signature materials and techniques, including acrylics, ink, and watercolor on canvas and paper. In the collection, one piece stands out as a central symbol of the artist’s tribute.

“On the smaller works, I’ve played with a combination of meticulous line drawings with ink, tinted with watercolors and solid elements in acrylic. The main piece is a visual suggestion of our front yard, where my mother planted a Doña Luz tree in the corner,” Bituin explains. “For a show dedicated to her memory, the absence of her image and her person in any form gives more emphasis on her act of planting things that have now grown. That is us, her children, and the relationships and connections she fostered in our community.”

Ultimately, the artist hopes that the exhibit makes the viewers realize the brevity of life and the inevitability of grief. “Grief is an inevitable encounter,” he reflects. “But grief itself is the other face of love for the ones who are no longer present. 

Bituin’s work triggers a range of emotions, particularly in those also experiencing grief. Visitors may find themselves reflecting on their own experience with loss, appreciating the beauty of life’s fleeting moments, and finding solace in the enduring power of love. 

Bituin’s works are a reminder that even in the face of loss, the bonds of love can remain unbroken. His mother’s memory lives not only in his heart but also in the beautiful art he has created in her honor. 

Following the exhibit, Bituin plans to engage in several group shows and focus on completing unfinished paintings and sculptural projects.

Pinto Art Museum is at Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo, Philippines.