Contemporary Period
1970-Present
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Contemporary art in the Philippines vividly portrays the nation's rich and multifaceted identity while addressing its intricate social challenges. Filipino artists employ a wide range of subjects and experimental mediums to create works that resonate with the essence of Philippine culture and its historical journey. The country's past, shaped by various colonial influences, is deeply embedded in these artistic expressions, offering a unique lens to explore its heritage and the complexities of modern-day life. Thus, Pagala aimed to highlight different types of art; theater art, literature, and visual art; to fully understand the growing complexities of the challenges that Filipinos today endure and experience.
Yellow
Yellow
Poem Made by: Pagala, Shealtiel Angelo Melki of HIST 1 - G (2024) UP Baguio
The poem reflects the evolving challenges that Filipinos continuously endure and experience. In the Philippines, it has become an unfortunate norm for injustices to prevail which aches citizens who are not in power (Tadem 2023). The color yellow connotes joy and the hope for a better tomorrow. In this context, it also signifies the progressive Philippines before; but it is now gone and almost forgotten. Symbols like crops, flowers, willow, birds, butterflies, and a pillow commemorate the prospering landscape of progress that was evident in the past. Now, however, the figures of fists, pens, paper, barricades, and banners symbolize the need for the system to be better and outstrip the causes why Filipinos, especially the impoverished, struggle to see a silver lining to extreme realities that currently govern day-to-day life.
In addition, "remembering" plays a pivotal role in tackling the realities of today as they once existed. The narrator encourages its readers to remember history as a form of resiliency. It is not just a battle of one but a battle of many.
Tadem, Eduardo C. 2023. Inequality, Tax Justice and the Philippine Wealth Tax Campaign. UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies. Last Accessed December 23, 2024. https://cids.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Inequality-Tax-Justice-and-the-Philippine-Wealth-Tax-Campaign.pdf
Charot Soaked in Truth
Charot Soaked in Truth
Artwork Made by: Pagala, Shealtiel Angelo Melki of HIST 1 - G (2024) UP Baguio
Charot is a political satire performer from The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) who takes creative twists on relevant pressing issues in the Philippines through entertainment (Friedrich Naumann Foundation 2019). The artwork is a nod to contemporary performing arts highlighting the social impact of today’s political reality.
The background of the artwork signifies their identity; which revolves around political satire plays. The reason why it is black is because of how heavy the issues they perform on stage. Most viewers claimed that no matter how heavy some topics like Charter Change, Federalism, Calamities, Political dynasties, Corruption, and Philippine elections are, they give light and color to these narratives for a deeper holistic approach to issues that are not known but need to be talked about. Their plays capture different interpretations, thus, accomplishing their primary motive: to gather engagement for better use.
Furthermore, comedy is a powerful tool for shedding light on harsh realities. While audiences laugh their hearts out, they also question the decisions of the vast majority on why government issues exist and act as a wake-up call to be better voters. Charot is not just performers on stage, they are also ordinary citizens who experience what they portray.
Altogether, through intelligent writing and engaging production numbers addressing the social realities of Filipinos in today's period, they always make their audiences applaud in awe and satisfaction.
Friedrich Naumann Foundation. 2019. “Charot!” Talks About Charter Change and Elections, Urges Voters to be “Choosy.” Last Accessed December 27, 2024. https://www.freiheit.org/philippines/charot-talks-about-charter-change-and-elections-urges-voters-be-choosy
Filipinos of Today
Filipinos of Today
Artwork Made by: Pagala, Shealtiel Angelo Melki of HIST 1 - G (2024) UP Baguio
Leslie De Chavez and Ronald Ventura are both Filipino contemporary artists who champion a creative take on the vast issues of social injustices in the Philippines. Their art forms involve heavy discourses on colonialism, power relations, culture, politics, and religion (Creation Contemporaine Asie n.d.). Using both images in one artwork forms a new meaning of what is the current Filipino. Leslie’s work, God is on our side showcased the resilient Filipinos in times of disaster; the residents still found hope amidst extreme flooding and a huge threat in front of them—an alligator. On the other hand, Ronald’s work, Insecured emphasized a man with a dog’s mask. The face value completes the detail already, a man not wanting to show his true self. But in a deeper sense, it can refer to how Filipinos tend to be gullible about today’s politics.
A simple imagery connotes numerous struggles of what is Filipinos of today; highlighting the beauty of art. The artwork is inspired through their art style such as comic books. With some alterations made; interconnecting both images, changing their texture, and adding other elements to unite their meaning, elevates the story behind it. The color scheme reflects the Philippine flag, the three twinkling elements signify the 3 stars of the flag. Pertaining to how it is all happening in the country. The scrapbook letters highlight the culture of resourcefulness of Filipinos, saving some scraps and papers. The artwork posits a metaphor for the multi-faceted national identity of the Philippines. Altogether, it showcases the reality of today’s Philippine politics; constantly burdening the ingrained trait of Bayanihan.
In conclusion, it is important to note that responding through art to our continuous victimization from the extreme conditions of our country can be truly liberating as it warns the perpetrators to be better.
Creation Contemporaine Asie; Platform Dedicated to Asian Contemporary Art. n.d. “Filipino Artists. Profiles, Works & Exhibitions” Last Accessed December 27, 2024. https://www.creationcontemporaine-asie.com/en/pages/philippines-artists.html#slider-676d3241dc2f6795644fbd0
References the artworks:
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