PERPLEXING PROFUNDITY

          Undeniably, Filipino myths and legends have been part of the rich Philippine Culture and Literature. These tales, whether real or not, show the vivid image of the world from the profound understanding of Filipino people. Indeed, it is an inscrutable mystery, where or when or how these myths and legends emanate. However, the obscure and shrouded secrets destined in darkness forever just add to their enigmatic totality and radiance. 

            I have never been to any kind of exhibit but this one, and I was truly enthralled by the paintings; it’s amazing how those artists come up with an excellent masterpiece, expressing their inner feelings, letting whoever sees the painting comprehend an ambiguous image derived from the random strokes of their hands and imagination. All of them says a message, all are flawless and unique, but certain paintings had stricken  me so much that I could not take my eyes away from them, not only because of the superficiality that they are breathtaking, but also I found those paintings intense  with meaning and content.

            One of those is the work of Dave Lock “Bathala”. His work depicts the strong human emotions submerged deep in the subconscious, he believes in the supposed expressive representation of humanity: narcissistic, selfish and helplessly alone in life and death. He works out what I feel about humanity, if I am good in arts, probably, I will also produce such kind of picture.

            Furthermore, another painting caught my attention, Dexter Sy’s “Half Day (Manananggal)”. It is not the traditional Manananggal everyone knows, but the contemporary Manananggal of the modern day. Sy calls them the “Social Climber”. Yet, I don’t get why he associated Manananggal with Social Climbers but some part of it are clear- Nagkukubli sila sa ibang katauhan, nakikisama at nakikibagay sa mga mayayaman”. This work is so mean yet real. I know these Manananggal/ social climbers do exist.  

            Thirdly, Kuleng Manzanero’s “Alamat at Mito: Ang mga Kwento ng ating Panahon” It struts Lola Basyang’s way of telling stories. When I saw the painting, I began to miss my childhood years, those every afternoon in front of the Television, at Channel 23 in particular, drowning myself with folktales and hearsay from the old times. Luckily, nowadays there is a modern version of Lola Basyang, the “Mahiwagang Baul” of Channel 11. It also shows Alamat and Mito with Two kids travelling from the present time to the old times using the Mahiwagang Baul.

            Lastly, but certainly not the least, is the “Circus Maiden” of Dante Lerma. He doesn’t give any explanation whatsoever about his work. Yet, the painting is so full of messages. I can’t help remembering Lady Gaga and the movie “Jennifer’s body” when I first saw the painting. The only explanation left by the artist is this “Behind every myth are grains of truth waiting to be revealed”.  Until now, I find it hard to fathom the message of the painting.

            This exhibit gave me so much understanding of my culture. Each painting is certainly deeply rooted from the past and it feels so good to connect through these works of arts. Of course, as a future teacher, the knowledge I obtained from this exhibit will benefit the younger generations.