Anton Belardo - VINYL ON VINYL

Anton Belardo

| 1987

Philippine Women’s University

Anton Belardo created the persona “Jellyfish Kisses,” not as a fictional character but as a translation of her interior self to her visual exterior. She creates lively, colorful, interactive works, prompted by the observation that viewers are no longer shocked. It is her intention to make people feel again, allow themselves to be vulnerable, show their humanity, and drop self- isolating walls. Belardo’s aesthetic comes from 1950s/1960s suburban housewives, whose kitchy and picture-perfect appearance are a façade for darker realities.

Belardo’ work mostly revolves around creating safe spaces and confessional diaries where visitors can share their sentiments in a non-judgmental environment. She wishes to share the spotlight with her audience as a way to help them with their personal struggles. Belardo’s concepts are based on her traumas as a queer individual, who is programmed to look for safe spaces everyday when she goes out.

Belardo acquired her BFA in advertising at the Philippine Women’s University. While studying, she took a short course on Basic Sewing & Pattern Making which led her to become a fashion stylist and designer before transitioning to fine arts.