“Child’s Play,” one of the most popular works of Australian master printmaker, curator, and educator Michael Kempson was recently gifted by the artist to the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to be part of the institution’s permanent displays.
The collection, a 17-piece set of etching and aquatint prints that tackle the geopolitical issues of the 21st century, features adorable animals as “commercialized” national symbol of different countries.
The Philippines, represented by a carabao, explores post-colonial legacy, ideas of social inequity, and inter-relationships within a wider paradigm.
“Child’s Play” was initially installed as part of the By Hand: Rediscovering the Art of Printmaking traveling exhibit by Benilde’s Center for Campus Art in 2018 before finding its home at the newly renovated office of the School of Diplomacy and Governance.
Kempson is currently a senior lecturer and convenor of Printmaking Studies at the University of New South Wales Art and Design in Sydney, Australia and a visiting professor at the Xi’an Academy of Fine Art in Xian, China.
His works have been showcased in 26 solo exhibits and has participated in over 200 group exhibitions around the world.
