Yanna's Adventure Log #1.2
Starting today's entry, this day is a not-so-fine day as the weather still feels humid despite being in December and not to mention, the clouds are dark as if it's going to rain. Despite the gloomy yet hot weather, this was a truly fulfilling day. Travelling together with my friends in Manila for the first time aside, I was able to have a heartfelt connection with historical sites and especially in the arts in this art museum. As I looked back on today's adventure, I reflected on the art pieces that I liked and its features.
Upon entering the museum, the very first artwork that will catch your attention is the "Spoliarium", one of the most famous painting of Juan Luna. This piece reflects the style during the Romantic period as it depicts the bodies of fallen gladiators whose bodies were removed of their armors and of their dignity. Seeing this piece in real life, it made me think of its relevance during the Spanish Colonial period. As being in front of it, you can truly feel the heavy emotions behind it through its ghastly ambiance from the use of dark tones and the masterful use of red which truly emphasizes their sufferings, the countless blood spilled in this period.
One of my favorite art collection in the museum is the botanical art pieces representing a variety of local plants in the Philippines. Although monotonous in color as it only usually use two hues to represent the plants, what I liked in these art pieces is the use of line and shapes to distinguish the differences between leaves, stems, the fruits/vegetables, and the flowers. I also felt how these art pieces serves as an important record of the unique plants that has existed only in our country.
Another art piece that I really liked is Felix Hidalgo's take on neoclassical style with his work "La barca de Aqueronte," featuring Charon and the souls of the damned as they attempt to cross the river of Acheron towards the gates of hell. This has also piqued my interest as I immediately noticed the subjects were inspired from Divine Comedy, which is another literary works that I am currently interested with.
Assessing the features in this piece, the use of contrasting elements such as the subjects being naked and the other one fully dressed in dark garments, the use of contradicting light and dark lighting on both sides, and the stillness of Charon against the hurried movements of the sinners. Other elements that can be seen in this work is the diagonal lines implying the dynamic movement, and the foreboding red-orange clouds behind Charon. Overall, this piece indicates the intense struggle between life and death, the struggle of seeking freedom from the oppressors.
The National Museum of Fine Arts also features Juan Luna's watercolor artworks. As someone who also paints with watercolor, I really liked the skilled use of wet on wet and wet on dry technique to skillfully depict the forms and shapes on his pieces. There is also the limited use of color yet he was able to convey the light direction and the colors are really vibrant which makes the art pieces stand out, similar to these two religious pieces along with its attention to details. Also, I liked one of the religious paintings because it reminds me of a fantasy art where it features a character that kind of looks like a NPC about to give you an important quest.
From simple carving to the most intricate details and whether small or large works, these art pieces did not fail to bring its message and to simply bring awe and astonishment to its beholders.
To close this journey,
I truly enjoyed my day in Manila. Seeing the details of these artworks in person, I felt the rich heritage of our country, the preserved history through each stroke, colors, and techniques used to its completion. It is not just an educational experience, but rather a spiritual one as well as I felt being a Filipino closer to my heart, to my very being.
P.S.
Intramuros Adventure (Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, Rizal Museum)
Although not solely confined within an art museum, these historical sites and museum are important in the understanding and admiring the long history of the Philippines. It features different forms of arts through the long-standing infrastructure which is also a testament of the sufferings and joyful experiences in our country and immersive experiences while recounting the stories and horrors our fellow citizens have faced.
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