Art, Adventure, and Tapestry

Almost sunset, our flag flapping in the wind

First on the agenda was Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, a 166 inches x 302.2 inches oil on canvas. No matter how I try to describe how large it is to first-timers, it never prepares them when they see it from across the room. I’ve seen this piece three times by now; and every time I saw it, I was at different points in my life, having a different perspective that helped me gain new appreciation of it. The first time I saw it, I was struck by how majestic it was, not merely because of its sheer size, but because of its dark, gruesome, ancient Roman theme. A couple of months ago, having studied the painter’s tragic life, I considered what his art had meant in that tumultuous time of the Philippine revolution, with so many of his friends and compatriots dying; and then wondering how that had affected his personal life in the following years, when he was said to have lost his mind and killed his wife and mother-in-law. Yesterday, my mind was full of the text I’d been reading about drawing, and I was taking note of his use of lines, looking closely at his strokes, thinking about where and how he had started on that gigantic canvas. My mind can’t comprehend that kind of genius just yet. 

In fact, going around the galleries yesterday, even with my short and shallow exposure to the techniques of drawing, it was like I was seeing the artwork with new eyes. The collections were so extensive, I couldn’t linger on a single piece for very long; but there were some that made me stay a while longer. My favourites were Amorsolo’s “Children Playing in the River” (for its nostalgia, softness, and movement and reflection of water,) Ben Cab’s “Sabel” (for its boldness,) Joya’s “Ethereal Aura” (for its luminescence and mystery,) Manansala’s “Bayanihan” (for its texture,) one of Luna’s less popular landscapes (because of its beautiful sky, that doesn’t look as magical up close,) Ocampo’s “Mission Accomplished” (for its storytelling,) works by Nena Saguil (for their distinct character,) and artefacts from the artists, like diaries, pens, and palettes. 

Children Playing in the River, Amorsolo

Sabel, Cabrera

Ethereal Aura, Joya

Bayanihan, Manansala

(landscape,) Luna

Mission Accomplished, Ocampo

Ben Cab’s palette of shot glasses

E.A. Cruz’s artefacts

A palette passed on from Francisco to several other artists, finally painted on by Galicano

On a side note, in a previous visit, my friends and I had noted from several paintings that Luna didn’t do hands very well. When we saw this painting of a soldier, we couldn’t help but laugh, because he seemed to have just given up on his right hand! It’s somewhat comforting to know that even the best have their weaknesses.

Handless soldier! 😉

We stayed until they had closed the gallery lights on us at 5:00 pm. The concert wasn’t scheduled to start until 7:30 pm, so Ryan and I decided to grab a bite at a nearby mall. Everyone we asked had said it was a walkable distance from the museum, but no one told us that there weren’t any crosswalks along the way. So, in true Manila spirit, we crossed a bridge with very low railing, jaywalked across a main road, where plenty of vehicles were speeding, followed an incorrect tip to go under a tunnel, passed many street vendors with stolen phones and accessories, but eventually arrived safely at our destination. 

At the mall, inspired and feeling ambitious, I stopped by a craft store and bought drawing/writing materials. After a quick snack and three very tall glasses of iced fruit juices (we were thirstier than we anticipated,) we planned on taking a trike back to the museum. Except, the trikes outside wanted to dupe us, asking me for P100 for a trip that was less than 500m away (note: Ryan did’t even open his mouth, so he thought I wouldn’t think this were extortion?!) More confident of the way this time, we walked back with no hitches.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers has been hosting the Madz Et Al. Choral Festival for the past weeks, and last night’s show was titled, Tapestry: Philippine Folksongs in Focus. It was held at the Old Senate Session Hall, a beautiful, high ceilinged chamber on the third floor of the museum.

5 choirs with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, a ka Madz Et Al.

From my understanding, the Madz Et Al. is the fellowship of the different groups being handled by Madz alumni. The Madrigals have always been reputed to expect a high level of musicality from their members, so it’s no surprise that each one has passed on his/her musical excellence to their respective choirs. Last night was food for the soul, the kind you can only get from hearing voices in harmony. I had only heard of one choir in the line up, but the others didn’t disappoint. I was slightly confused by the repertoire, expecting purely folk songs; but unless I’m mistaken with the genres, each group sang a mixture of folk and spiritual songs.

Philippine Merchant Marine School Choir
Luninging San Jose (Conductor)