Filipino-American sculptor Elaine Antonio Bordeaux, who began her career as a lawyer both in the Philippines and the United States, is set to unveil her latest exhibit, “Courage,” in Litoměřice, Czech Republic, as part of a European tour celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. The exhibit, which will run from October 5 to 31, 2024, at the historic Castle Litoměřice, showcases Bordeaux’s powerful sculptures, including a tribute to the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
Bordeaux’s work represents her life, faith, and beliefs, drawing inspiration from her experiences as an immigrant and her Filipino heritage. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a bronze bust of Rizal, highlighting his enduring friendship with Ferdinand Blumentritt, a Czech scholar who influenced his fight for Philippine independence. The connection between Rizal and Blumentritt adds significance to the exhibit’s location, as Litoměřice was Blumentritt’s home, symbolizing the long-standing bond between the two nations.
In 2016, Bordeaux reignited her passion for art after years of dedication to her legal career, which spanned over a decade advocating for immigrants. Her commitment to art has been further enhanced by training from prestigious institutions like the New York Arts Students League and the Barcelona Academy of Art. In 2018, she moved to Colorado and began creating a series of bronze sculptures honoring iconic courageous figures from history—an initiative that blossomed into her ongoing “Courage” exhibition.
After its opening in the Czech Republic, the “Courage” exhibit will continue its European tour, visiting Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, and London, further promoting stories of justice and freedom through Bordeaux’s evocative art, which often focuses on courageous people and their struggles.
Bordeaux, recognized for her thought-provoking work that merges her expertise in both law and art, was recently honored as the 2023 Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN). Her global pitch project is centered on the heroism of World War II Filipina American Magdalena Leones, the only Asian American Silver Star Awardee, whose story she has immortalized in her sculpture titled “Maggie, the Lioness of Asia.” Bordeaux is also the founder of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation.
The exhibit is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to experience Bordeaux’s deeply personal and socially resonant sculptures.
