De Kooning's Untitled

Dutch American Abstract Expressionist painter, Willem de Kooning expresses himself through the colorful mix of brush strokes that depict vague images of shapes. Currently, this painting in the possession of Robert Mnuchin, an art dealer from L&M Arts. This work was able to attract attention for its background and was able to sell for a huge amount of dollars.

Untitled XVI (1975)
Source: artcritical.com

For De Kooning's work, the Untitled XVI (1975) he was able to create a world filled with cool color surrounding two unseemly shapes that resemble that of humans. This wonderful world he was able to create consist of cool hues of blue, purple and pink set among warm and earthy shades of orange, yellow, brown and green which creates an exquisite mixture of two contrasting concepts. The hurried brush strokes are evident and the spaces in which it has traveled can be traced throughout the painting as well as the texture that comes alive with movement.

Since it was made during the later period of his life, his style had changed from grotesque depiction of human figures to work which showed a mixture of different colors of pastel brushstrokes that come up with indistinguishable objects. During this time, his works all bore the same theme and effect.

De Kooning in Studio
Source: moma.org

The transformation of his work into a more abstract form opens viewers to more interpretation about his work. This makes it relatable universally since they can all vary from one another.

Source:
Horseley, Carter. Contemporary Art Sotheby's. thecityreview.com. 2006 May 10. Web. 2014 July 9.

Celebrating IMD

In celebration of the International Museum Day, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) organized a forum with the theme: Museums (memory + creativity) = social change. During the whole day event, there were different talks from different professionals in the field and afterwards, a World Cafe Activity which became an opportunity for interaction among the participants.

Forum Poster
Source: ICOM

Present in the event were members of ICOM, representatives of different museums in the country and students of Benilde. This was a chance for different museums to be able to gather ideas from one another which can help improve their own organizations. During the World Cafe Activity, the questions about the importance and value of collections were discussed. Discussions about media, art education, connectivity and curatorial work surfaced among conversations.

Media is a very important means of marketing museums since people rely on social networks in this age of technology. This means of spreading information is one way of showing that museums aren't defunct and outdated. This brings in Art Education which furthers research about collections that can also explain to people about its relevance to society as well as the importance of museums in preserving cultures. Museums are venues of discourse between the past and the present since it offers a timeline of past to present events that can bridge the gap between generations. Constant care for these collections is a must since they are also treasures of the past that encase thousands of stories and memories.

Being a part of the event was a good experience because of the interaction with professionals that made it very educational. The program was well executed except for some unexpected occurrences. Ambiance was one of the key elements which overall, made an impact to it since the comfort of venue as well as the food and drink were able to accommodate everyone.

The Tragic Heroines of Waterhouse

Born in Rome in 1849, John William Waterhouse entered the Royal Academy in 1870. His initial training was in sculpting but came out to his first exhibition as a painter. Known as a late Pre-Raphaelite artist and one of the famous painters of the Victorian Era, his paintings contain consistent subjects which are of classical and literary figures. Two of the characters who take center stage in his paintings are Shakespeare's tragic heroine, Ophelia and Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott.

Waterhouse painting the Lady of Shalott in his studio (1891)
Source: wiki.cultured.com

Ophelia is the famous characters of Shakespeare's Hamlet. She is Hamlet's sweetheart who went into madness after he told her that he never loved her which lead to her drowning herself. The innocence of her character is one her qualities which is often romanticized. Waterhouse depicted her in three ways which all have a common element: a body of water, a meadow and poppies. The 1894 painting is very keen on this idea as it shows her just before she falls into the water. Angus Trumble points out this foreshadowing, pointing out the poppies which symbolize death and sleep, her closed eyes and the paleness of her skin and hair (victorianweb.org)

Ophelia (1894)
Source: Barton Galleries

Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott is the story of Elaine of Astolat who was cursed into a castle to watch the world from shadows and fell in love with Sir Lancelot as she saw him pass by. She escaped to Camelot using a boat but died just before she met him. Upon the sight of her, he remarked that she was lovely. She was depicted in two ways, one is of her first sight of Lancelot and the second, floating on her small boat towards him. Elizabeth Nelson describes a hint on the turn of events by describing the candles as reinforcing the "funereal tone of her embarkation." (victorianweb.org)

Lady of Shalott (1888)
Source: University of Adelaide Book

In an article by Richard Dorment he described Waterhouse paintings as "slick, professional and completely empty of real feeling or thought. A pleasant void." (telegraph.co.uk).  According to him it showed his skill yet lacked a emotional connection for its viewers. There is something "one-dimensional" about his work that should be present to make him a greater artist.

On the other hand, Brian Sewell said in his article that the The Lady of Shalott was a complex painting in its own element. According to him, Waterhouse challenges his viewers to think and that "once in a while the viewer must construct the tale from the evidence that Waterhouse has given him." (standard.co.uk).

Waterhouse's work only came about after the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was disbanded. This movement was pioneered by artists who became tired of the dull landscapes of academic paintings and thus reviving the style of painting between the Medieval period and the Renaissance which was that of Raphael Sanzio. This type of painting was also prolific during the Victorian Era because of society's patronizing of courtly love and romanticism. Romantic novels and poetry were widespread and gave way to people's ideas.

Whether this style of art is applicable to our time is subjective. It may have pleased the people during the nineteenth century but our contemporary society might be searching  for different aesthetics.Though, people who are interested literature can well appreciate this kind of painting. But we must always remember, isn't art subjective and beauty in the eye of the beholder since we hold our own experiences and opinions?

References:
Dorment, Richard. Waterhouse: the modern Pre-Raphaelite, at the Royal Academy - review. The Telegraph, 29 May 2009. Web. 25 June 2014.

Sewell, Brian. Phwoar! It's John William Waterhouse. London Evening Standard, 25 June 2009. Web. 25 June 2014.

"Ophelia". The Victorian Web. George Landow, n.d. Web. 25 June 2014.

Nelson, Elizabeth. Pictorial Interpretations of the "Lady of Shalott": The Lady in her Boat. The Victorian Web. 30 Nov 2004. Web. 25 June 2014.

Gold, Silver, Bad Luck

Depicting the lives of the elite during the time around World War II, Oro, Plata, Mata is clear reflection of a society faced with hard times. Directed by Peque Gallaga, the movie stars many well-known actors and actresses of our time who were just starting out during this film such as Cherie Gil, Sandy Andolong, Joel Torre and Ronnie Lazaro.

The movie started showing the flashy and extravagant lifestyle of the upper class as they joyously celebrated the debut of Maggie, the eldest daughter of the Ojeda family, until news of Corregidor struck and brought chaos through the party. The Ojedas were invited to stay with the Lorenzos to avoid the Japanese attack in Manila. When the war reached Negros, they escaped into the mountains where they encountered abuse and slaughter in the hands of the Filipino thieves. The movie ended with a celebration of the end of the war and the engagement of the couple Maggie and Miguel, the second son of the Lorenzos.

Source: pinoymovies.blogspot

At first, the movie gave off a Downton Abbey feel because of the sophisticated OBB and the glittering sights of the rich in a social gathering and of course set in the same era. With the OBB, I was very much impressed because of how it was presented in such a way that despite the meager editing tools during the time it was made, it was shown flawlessly and elegantly without too much effects in it. It was all in the cinematography which was consistently picturesque all throughout. It's also very interesting to know that Filipinos were already able to come up with it before much of the period dramas of that era came out. 

The film is an good example of Social Realism because a depicts a reality which occurred during that time of hardship and struggle. It was a big culture shock for those elites to be living in the condition, coming from a comfortable and well-provided living which of course led them to chaos. The characters were all very realistic with their characteristics such as the speaking little bits of Spanish, playing Mahjong and the nightly prayers. They had their own flaws and their development through the progression of  film was very evident, especially that of Miguel who progressed from being a sheltered boy to a man. 

As the film pulled to a close, it gave its audience a lighter tone after all the heavily packed action scenes and brutally visual shots. It gave a sense of hope yet pulled down with the words of Trining played by Cherie Gil as she noted that the war changed everyone into animals and that no matter what, it will leave a mark on all of them. 

Oro, Plata, Mata is probably as well suited title for the film since it does deal with the extravagant lifestyle of the rich and the difficulty they faced in parting with it. The bad luck that came was the war and how it took a toll on each of the characters was very evident, especially for the older women. Peque Gallaga was able to create a masterpiece and of course was able to make a name for himself in the film industry in the country by giving a relevant work to the current conditions of society during his time. 

Through The Surface of The World

Film and Architecture are two predominant forms of contemporary art. We see them in out everyday lives as we pass by different edifices and facades or as we simply open a our youtube channel. So putting these two elements together in an exhibition is very interesting and unique.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCAD)'s new exhibition Surface of the World focuses on the moving image and architecture. This showcases different videos that feature architecture as its protagonist and how those around it affect it. Curated by Clare Carolin, it features 13 international artists.

Exhibition Entrance

As you enter the exhibition space realize the huge transformation of MCAD from the bare white walls to dark walls dividing it into section where visitors can view the different films, sitting on comfortable seats in enclosed or standing in open spaces. The different artworks are projected using various mediums and presented in a different manner such as projectors, televisions and a vintage projector which was used for Tacita Dean's Palast.

Exhibition Space

Entering the individual rooms that encased individual works, gave its own unique atmosphere the viewer sat down to watch, it engaged them and brought them to the exact setting of the film. The sound and images makes them feel as if they are a specter in the actual place and gave the same ambiance as it would in reality. Each piece entrances with its different elements.

Interloper by Saskia Olde Wolbers

Palast by Tacita Dean

Index (Elevated Train) by Cocoy Lumbao

Stunned Man (Trilogy of Failure II) by Isaan Julien

A Letter to Uncle Bonmmee by Apichatpong Weerasethakul

At the House of Mr. X by Elizabeth Price

This exhibition is the first of its kind in the Philippines and exposes Filipinos to more forms of Contemporary Art. Don't miss this unique and exciting show the will surely awaken your senses.

Let's Talk About Jane

When you think of pure romance and classic love stories in English Literature, probably one of the names that will pop in your head is Jane Austen. Her works have reached into the hearts of many hopeless romantics throughout the years and today, her legacy is still very much alive in the many adaptations and spin-offs of her beloved novels. Despite the fact that many criticize her work and call it boring or outdated, they cannot deny her strong influence on many popular films such as Clueless, which was one of the pioneers of chick flicks and Bridget Jones' Diary.

Portrait of Jane Austen. Image from gotaz.com.br

I remember a friend of mine once told me that having a favorite author is not just appreciating the style of writing and the plot but having a connection through the written word. It's as if you share a little secret with him or her which he or she transforms into a story. I could say that it's the same feeling I have whenever I read Austen's novels. Since I was in the latter years of grade school, I have been an avid Janeite which started with Pride and Prejudice, influenced by my sister. I fell in love with the tempestuous romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Probably almost every Janeite can say that they all want a Mr. Darcy of their own and I'm not an exception. After that, I strove to finish all the six novels and ended with Mansfield Park which became another favorite. Fanny Price is a very relatable heroine because of how her character matures from a mousy girl to a strong woman with independent thought. 

Jane Austen's Six Novels

Jane Austen Book Collection

During Austen's time, women were confined to quiet lives at home. An authoress wasn't exactly encouraged, especially if she was single but it didn't stop her from doing what she wanted. She had a mind of her own and didn't allow society to dictate her actions. Her mind was very sharp along with her words which can be seen in one of my favorite quotes from her: 

"The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid."

In each of her heroines, she plants a different part of herself which makes them very human with their own flaws and virtues. Though one thing is common among them, they are independent in their own way and in the end, still have their fairytale ending. Even if she didn't have the same ending, she was able to give happiness to her characters and readers during the final words of each novel. 

Bravely Taking on New Worlds

Since my internship for the Metropolitan Museum of Manila is about to reach its end, I decided that my first entry for this blog should feature something that involves my experiences as an intern. Basically, my work revolved around researching and writing about the current exhibition entitled Brave New Worlds which was curated by Manuel Ocampo. Inspired by the Brave New World Movement which was a Punk Concert in the 80’s and the novel by Aldous Huxley entitled Brave New World, it features Filipino and French artists. The artworks found are the artists’ response to the current deteriorating society and they way in which they respond shows a diversity among their temperaments. The galleries were filled with bright neon colors, dark shades, abstract shapes and a juxtaposition of different found objects. Some showed a playful or childish side while others showed a more mature or dark side in their work. It defeated the common notion that all artists are the same, being moody and erratic.

Entrance Signage

Maria Cruz's Work

Myriam Mechita, Valeria Cavestany, Damien Deroubaix & Pow Martinez's work

Gaston Damag's Work, Kultur Natur

Gerry Tan's Painting

Louie Cordero, Valeria Cavestany and Maria Jeona Zoleta's Work

Carlo Ricafort's Art Dumpster

Among the artists in this exhibition, I developed an interest in Filipino artist Romeo Lee and French artist Fabrice Hyber. Lee’s work consists of dark smudges of color and cartoonish monsters which contain elements of punk (as he is the King of Pinoy Punk). With his very playful character, I would say his work very much reflects his personality.

FamiLEE by Romeo Lee

Romeo Lee's mural

Hyber’s work on the other hand is more on installations. He is known for his Prototypes d’Objets Functionnement (POF) which is a series of installations of objects that change their original function and invites its audience to interact with the art. For this exhibition, his works featured are POF 73, 49 and 139 which are Gigognes (Nest of Bowls), Double Mask and the MIT Man respectively.

Fabrice Hyber books

POF 49 Double Mask

Fabrice Hyber's Writings on the Wall

POF 73 Gigognes

Honestly, I am not a big fan of installations. I prefer traditional mediums like painting but it was his artist talk that really inspired me. I was impressed by how he explained the way he works with the materials that are available in the country in which he will be exhibiting his work making each of his installations unique. I noticed that he is very playful and interactive with his different installations and he often collaborates with people from different fields to come up with his work. But what really sparked my interest was that he spoke of having a school for both art and business because having this kind of environment would enable both to collaborate and thus supporting art. This immediately made me think of my course, Arts Management which caters to this kind of work. During the opening of the exhibit, he was very accommodating when asked if he could take a photo with me.

With Fabrice Hyber

Seeing all the different artworks that were part of this exhibit, I realized that this really was made up of the brave new worlds of these artists. Each work represented something out of their own comfort zones and at the same time represented them as a person.

On another note, this is all a brave exhibition for the Philippines since our society is used to the traditional aesthetics which is something beautiful and ideal. This exhibition show that the art scene in our country is alive because it doesn't remain consistent all throughout. Somehow, the creative industry manages to keep itself alive with the support of donors and patrons coming from the private sector.

Taking part in this exhibit gave me an even stronger conviction to pursue my dream of being an arts manager, even though I played a small role in its coming about. We all have to start somewhere and this is the first footstep towards bigger strides.