IA#4: Museum Visit 1
One requirement for this subject is to go to National Museum located at Ermita, Manila. Few known facts about National Museum: it is a state museum (it is funded by the government) and features a wide range of artworks, specimen and artifacts that represents the cultural and historical heritage of our country. Together with several friends, we sent to the said museum and reveled in the art pieces present there.
Our task while in National Museum is to go to the National Art Gallery and enjoy the artworks inside. Whilst doing so, we have pick at least eight (8) pieces that we like and try to reflect on what we think is the message that the artwork is trying to convey. So… here’s my 8 picks!
ARTWORK #1: “Solitude” by Isabelo Tampinco Y Lacandola
At first, the reason why I really liked this artwork is because it represents what I am currently feeling — stressed out. Trying to juggle my acads, thesis, social life and sanity all at once is really taking a toll on me and sometimes you just have to sit down, contemplate and sigh. I guess that is what “Solitude” is trying to convey. The word solitude itself means the state of being alone so I believe that Miss Lacandola is trying to say that sometimes, we have to enjoy a few hours by ourselves and just ponder on events that had happened in our lives.
ARTWORK #2: “Lost in the Forest” by Carlos V. Francisco
This watercolor on paper artwork by Carlos V. Francisco reminds me of the fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel”, where the siblings got lost in the forest. For me, this artwork of Mr. Francisco represents the adolescence period wherein a child slowly transitions into an adult. This period is usually alarming and nerve-racking for most people because you get to see and experience new things. It’s like getting lost in a forest, so to speak, where most things are different and strange from those in the city. It’s a place where we have to learn how to independent and mature in order to survive. The forest represents real-life difficulties that the young adults will have to face.
ARTWORK #3: “It Started in Eden” by Edgar Doctor
Painted using acrylic, I believe that this artwork by Edgar Doctor represents modernization. The characters in the painting looks like a couple except that they have television-like heads. I think it depicts that we are too into technology these days that we tend to overlook other things in lives like human interaction and love.
ARTWORK #4: “La Mujer En Reposo” by Isabelo Tampinco Y Lacandola
Much like “Solitude”, this artwork by Miss Lacandola seems to illustrate another tired person. Honestly, this looks like me EVERYDAY (hehe). In my opinion, this art piece emphasizes an individual’s need to rest. Even though we have a lot of stuff to do and things to accomplish, we always need to refresh ourselves and relax every once in while.
ARTWORK #5 & #6: “Piglas” & “Bihag” by Edgar Talusan Fernandez
This oil in canvas artpieces by Edgar Talusan Fernandez was made in 1985 — during the Martial Law. In my perspective, “Bihag” represents the oppression that happened during that time. Everybody who spoke ill against the government are tortured, just as seen in the painting. “Piglas”, on the other hand, illustrates Filipinos fighting back and uniting to gain freedom against the current administration that time.
ARTWORK #7: “Justice Under the Martial Law” by Orlando Castillo
Another artwork made during the Martial Law era is this pastel on paper piece by Orlando Castillo. Entitled “Justice under the Martial Law”, I think that this work depicts people seeking for justice and fairness for the torture and unreasonable punishments given to people during that time. The piece also illustrates events that took place back then — scared people, soldiers abusing their power, numerous tortures etc.
ARTWORK #8: “Modern Maria Clara” by Victorio C. Edades
Maria Clara is one of the characters in our national hero’s — Dr. Jose Rizal — novel, Noli Me Tangere. In my opinion, this oil in canvas artwork portrays the ideal Filipino woman but with several changes. I’d like to believe that Mr. Edades’ portrayal of Maria Clara in this painting is a version that is a more courageous, less compliant and more mature — the kind of women that we sorely need right now.
It’s good to have a glimpse on our cultural and historical heritage and also nice to see them all in one place. Here’s some of the other photos that I took in the museum!
I hope that we all show more appreciation in our own art and culture. Long live Philippines!
