“ Allegory of Temptation ”
by Graciano Nepomuceno
1933 ( wood )
Of all the traditional artworks I
have seen in the Vargas Museum, I could honestly say that it was this small
sculpture of Nepomuceno that struck me most. Well, for one, there were only a
small number of traditional sculptures exhibited. And two, most of the
traditional paintings of the masters were of scenery, of churches, of portraits,
or of some patriotic or religious themes which I am not very interested
in, most of the time.
A small wooden sculpture of a nude
lady, almost lying down, holding the head of a snake (wrapped on her left leg)
with her left hand was quietly sitting on the 2nd floor. The snake
has managed to slither its way up to her knee. Her face was all-calm though, as
she held the serpent’s head with her hand.
The sculpture is very smooth and
clean—it looks skillfully carved. The anatomy of the lady, as well as, the
details of the snake are very remarkable especially knowing that this is sculpture
is quite small. The sculpture showed the astonishing talent of the artisan.
Even by solely the level of craftsmanship shown in the sculpture, I was captured.
From what I have learned in the
past, a serpent is usually associated to negative interpretations. It is
usually used as a symbol of desire or
lust. But despite the negative ideas attached
to this creature, I still find myself longing to have a snake pet of my own.
*weakly laughs at the thought* Anyway, with one look at the sculpture, there is
a very little need for an explanation to its title. The sensual desire of the human
is being told. But I think there is more to it than just its story: a lesson.
Alas.
Our society today little do realize
the impact of the media in the eyes and minds of the youth; let alone act on
the rising issue. I think it is very unfortunate—that a lot of teenagers today
end up raising a child of their own at the age when they should still be
enjoying their own youth. I think, this sculpture, aims to open the eyes of its
audience, to not be in a hurry to experience everything. Timing, Self-control,
Priorities, and Patience: lessons that should be inculcated in the minds of
teens today; so that they don’t commit immature decisions and wind up bound by
the consequences of their irresponsible acts.
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**Disclaimer: This photo was not taken by me.**
“ Immigration Series “
by Santiago Bose
2000 ( acrylic on canvas )
When I saw this painting by Bose,
instantaneously, Gloc9’s song entitled, “Walang
Natira” played in the background. The song is specifically about the rising
number of OFW’s who missed out on the important days with their children and risk
their lives, in exchange for money. It must have been the passport and/or the
job titles written—that made this song play in my head, which actually made the
experience more interesting.
As I took my time studying this
painting, (Napakaraming guro dito sa amin
ngunit bakit tila walang natira? Napakaraming nurse dito sa amin, ngunit bakit
tila walang natira? Nag-aabroad sila. Gusto kong...) the song went on. It’s
a funny thing that I can relate to this painting. Wait, i take it back. It’s
actually not funny, it is rather sad. Because, reality check: most Filipinos
would relate to this. We have this idea, that if we migrate in a different
country like, USA *coughs*, we will have a better life. Right. *emphasis on the ironic tone*
The painting, in tones of greens and
yellows, is of an open passport of a certain Roberto or Norberto, (not quite
sure if I got his name down,) anyway, and a line drawing of an open palm. On
the digits, job titles in Spanish were written like Marino, Cirquero, Dryver, and etc. (I find it hard to read
the other ones written because of the low quality of the picture, hence, I must
apologize.) Anyway, one line in the
middle of the palm, “ALL AROUND” is written. True. The passport representing every Filipino who yearns to be an
immigrant. The open palm, symbolizing their willingness to do anything,
everything in exchange for that opportunity.
Money is a big deal for many. That
is the sad truth. People are going to do everything in exchange for those
greens. I have personally suffered from being left behind by parents as they
worked their bums off abroad—and for
what? For the electric bills and tuition fees, for the food and water,
for...basic necessities. I understand, I
am understanding, I understood. And misunderstood.
Young as I was then, I thought it was only right. Wrong.
Not everything outside our country
is better than what is in here. And not everything inside our country is worse
than what is out there. I just said the same thing, I think. But it does not
matter. I just want to emphasize. Why do
Filipinos are so eager to fly out? Oh yes, right, I know. Uninspiring
officials, less job opportunities, not-so-good environment—but let’s keep in
mind: our country is only as good as what we make it. If we choose to escape
from it, then we are not doing it any good. And that I think is what this
painting tells us. Or, I guess, what it
communicated to me. We need not migrate for a better life, we can do it
here—not that I’m being nationalistic
here.
(...Nag-aabroad sila. Gusto kong yumaman, yumaman, yum-hn-mm! )
...
*muffled voice of Gloc9*
...
