IA#4

National Museum of the Philippines

It is my first time to visit National Museum — National Art Gallery. I was so amazed and overwhelmed with the design of the building inside especially when I finally saw the Spoliarium. I did enjoy looking at the different masterpieces made by brilliant artists as well as taking pictures of the artworks that really caught my attention. Aside from that, I realized that although the artists of these creations were no longer alive, their art speaks for them. For me, it is the medium that artists use in order to communicate, narrate and explain some information that every generation needs to know.

They say people have different interpretations of art. When we visit museums, we tend to judge, criticize and describe the art works that we see. Beyond doubt, artists have deep meaning and explanation towards their work. Sometimes, we get surprised when we look at its title because it is somehow far or different from what we’ve expected. And in my opinion, that is the time when the interaction between the artist and the person looking at the artwork happens. It’s very entertaining to know the different interpretations of the people who have creative and playful minds and this time I’ll share mine.

I was looking on paintings where I can relate myself and I found this one. I told my friend that it was the same picture I always see whenever I’m at the LRT station in Gil Puyat at night. It is like the traffic scene in Buendia where vehicles especially jeepneys and buses turn. The lights from the establishments are also the same. It’s funny to know that even though this painting was painted decades ago with a different situation, we can still relate and think of another situation that pictures this too.

This is the hardest one to interpret and describe. It took me a while to recognize what this painting portrays and I’m still not sure what this is. For me it’s like a speaker or a radio. I also thought that this one is created in the 21st century because of its color and the mood that it presents. When I ask my mom what she sees on this artwork, she said that it is composed of three different objects. First is the speaker, the second one would be a cassette player and the third one would be a tape. In contrast, my friend said that it looks like a room that has a window with curtains, door and a cabinet. From those descriptions, maybe the reason why it was entitled Experience because people describe it based from their imaginations or experiences.

This portrays the mother and daughter love. Mothers would always want to be with their daughters as much as possible. This is to love, guide and take good care of them because women are fragile that they need comfort and they will do everything for our own good. I see myself in this picture when I was 4yrs old because just like the child, I always want to go with my mother. There were times that I rather be absent in my class just to go with her here in Manila.

Red, blue and yellow, primary colors that makes up this painting. All other colors can be obtained by mixing these three. Maybe the reason why the painter gave its title because teachers are the foundations of knowledge and where professionals came from. Just like what Joyce Meyer said “Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges.”

This also reminds me of our farm in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro where I spent my early childhood. It was indeed a peaceful place. Unfortunely, there were only few rice fields left due to the different factors such as the increasing population that turns rice fields into subdivisions. It is not impossible that future generations will only see rice fields on pictures.

Maybe the reason why colleges and universities require their students to wear Filipiniana dresses during Buwan ng Wika is to make their Filipina beauty shine out.

Tagulaylay means monotonous singing and I don’t really know the meaning behind its title. This painting from my perspective is like the situation in ‘bangketas’ and in waiting areas where different people are. Many of them quietly observe the actions of the people around.

This painting is very significant to Filipinos, since this plays a big role in understanding our history. For me, the reason why it was placed at the ground floor of the National Museum is to welcome the visitors before they explore the history of the Philippines inside the building.

Here are some of my pictures in National Museum: