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The Spirit of Pinaglabanan (1974)

Art... is the becoming and happening of truth. – Heidegger (1960)

This sculpture made by Eduardo Castrillo embodies the quote above by transforming the historical battle into a dynamic, living experience. The twisting bodies and outstretched arms seen in the picture immerse the viewer in the urgency of revolution, making the truth of resistance tangible and immediate. It is important to recognize that it goes beyond static representation, unveiling the emotional and collective truths of the struggle for freedom, making the past happen in the viewer's present moment.

Captured by Joseph Razon

Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20211014085944/https://www.pna.gov.ph/photos/43947

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Fernando Amorsolo, ‘Planting Rice with Mayon Volcano’ (1949)

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Topic No. 3

Art, at its core, is a way for people to share what they feel and experience. When artists create for expression, they pour their emotions, thoughts, and stories into their work. It’s personal. It is less about perfect details and more about capturing what’s inside.

Meanwhile, art as representation is about showing the world as it is. A painting, a sculpture, or a photograph can mirror reality, preserving moments, places, or people with careful accuracy.

But art isn’t always one or the other. Many artists blend both; they using realistic images to express something deeper, turning the familiar into something profoundly personal.

Topic No. 4

I suddenly remember our class last academic year regarding art. It also discussed about the different lenses use in how we perceive or criticize art. In a formalist lense, art for them is valued for its visual elements such as the line, shape, color, and composition, rather than meaning or representation. They are heavy in technicalities in art.

On the other hand, Clive Bell’s "significant form" suggests that certain arrangements of these elements evoke an aesthetic response, that the emotional impact of art comes from its formal qualities rather than its subject matter or meaning.

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Dr. Jose Dalisay Jr. shared a very impactful message through his speech. He reminds us that science and art are not opposing forces but partners in understanding the world, which I agree. It is important to acknowledge that Science uncovers truth, but art makes it resonate. Without creativity, innovation stagnates; that every great discovery begins with curiosity, a leap into the unknown. Moreover, art, through stories and expression, grounds science in human experience, reminding us why progress matters. I have realized that facts alone don’t change the world—people do, and it’s through the arts that we connect, empathize, and find purpose in knowledge. That's why art is a poweful force to become a catalyst of change, alongside with science.

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The painting that I have chosen is Cornfield with Crows by Vincent Van Gogh. It is said to be the last masterpiece that the humanity ever received from his talent. In my perspective, most, if not all, of his works are inspired from any actual scene. Moreover, based on his timeline, he is a post-impressionist. With this, it uses emotional and unique technique making it as if it is unrealistic. However, every painting has it's own story. I believe that figuring out the entire image of the painting, especially if it is an actual scene, really matters since what we put in canvas reflects what we feel at the moment. Our emotional input will always be present in every masterpiece that we create. Thus, for me if this painting is truly the last masterpiece Van Gogh ever made before he died, then it might tell something about what he feels that time.

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Landscape II: The Imagined Scenery

I dedicate a poem for this.

The Imagined Scenery

I face the sun whenever I cry.

I touch the water whenever I'm sad.

I feel your unseen presence in the vastness of ocean.

And again, I wanna kiss the horizon bleeding of your love.

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1) How can art be practiced for its own sake, separate from society?

Art can be practiced for its own sake by through the philosophy "art for art's sake" which argues that art should not serve any external or social impact in terms of moral, social, and political function. Instead, it should magnify the aspect that art as a personal expression, an aesthetic pursuit, or as a way to escape the reality. In the end, art can be created separately from the society, its interpretation is still influence by the history and history, thus proving how art being separated to the society is impossible.

2) Why is it detrimental to believe that art is a form of escape?

Based on the given article, it was stated if art creation is deeply rooted from societal or political issue, it mainly magnify negative ideas. It also suggest that if all creative writers focus on societal issues, then they might 'poison the mind' by reinforcing a pessimistic view of reality. viewing the art as a concept of escape, captures the idea that it is a way of perceiving world's beauty despite its negativity— a courageous act that can also uplift and inspire individuals.

3) Why is it important for art to address the “problems of [the artist’s] time”?

It is important to address the "problems of time" because art is a reflection of the society during their time, it is like having a peek of what's happening during their time, a way to record the happenings the struggles, which can influence a social change such as challenging the injustices or help people think critically. Afterall, even if art is not necessarily political or socially driven, it is important to consider engaging in this aspect to remain relevant, transformative, and a though-provoking masterpiece.

4) What does Lopez mean when he said that writers and artists should be “teachers of men”?

In my perspective, Lopez mean about the idea that writers and artists should be "teachers of men" is that they they have a responsibility to educate, enlighten, and guide society through their works. He also believed that literature should not exist merely for entertainment but should serve a greater purpose. It should contribute to human progress than just existing in unknown realm. Thus, being a “teacher of men” means using one’s art not just to express, but to educate, challenge, and inspire change.

5) Why does Lopez think that the highest form of art is emancipatory?

Lopez thinks the highest form of art is emancipatory because it frees people from ignorance and oppression. For him, art isn’t just about beauty or entertainment but it should challenge society and push for change. He believes that true art wakes people up, gives a voice to the unheard, and helps make the world better.

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The popular series that I would like to discuss in this activity is a historical-comedy drama entitled 'Mr. Queen'. To give a brief summary, Mr. Queen is a wild mix of comedy, history, and politics, following a modern-day chef who somehow ends up trapped in the body of Queen Cheorin during the Joseon Dynasty. Struggling to survive in the palace with his 21st-century mindset, he gets tangled in King Cheoljong’s secret battle against corrupt officials. What makes this drama so fun is its sharp humor, unexpected romance, and clever take on power struggles, all while poking fun at outdated traditions. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly deep. Especially in episode 15, which is one of my favorite episode, because it served as a pivotal moment where King Cheoljong finally asserts his authority, challenging the corrupt Noron faction that has long controlled the Joseon court.

In the said epsiode of Mr. Queen, Althusser’s ideas on Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) and Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs) play out in the power struggle inside the palace. The Noron faction doesn’t just use force like the royal guards and military to stay in power, but they also control the court, traditions, and education system to make their rule seem legitimate.

They manipulate ideology to keep King Cheoljong a powerless person, making him believe he has no choice but to follow their lead. But this episode is a turning point because Cheoljong finally pushes back against the ideology that’s shaped him, realizing he can be more than just a puppet. Queen Cheorin, with her modern mindset, constantly questions the palace’s outdated traditions, unintentionally disrupting the system that keeps those in power comfortable. This lines up with Althusser’s interpellation on how people are conditioned to accept their roles without realizing it. Moreover, Cheoljong is waking up to the fact that his “destiny” as a powerless king was never natural but it was constructed to keep him in check. It’s a fight not just against people, but against an entire system designed to make him believe he had no power in the first place. Episode 15 made me see how ideology traps the characters. The first time, it felt like just a big power shift, but now I see Cheoljong breaking free from the role forced on him and Queen Cheorin unknowingly disrupting the system. It’s not just about rebellion but it’s about realizing how power shapes people without them even noticing.

References:

https://kdramakisses.com/2021/03/10/mr-queen-korean-drama-review/

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Mr. Queen Korean Drama Review - Kdrama Kisses

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Mr. Queen is about a modern man who is transported back in time to the Joseon era where he inhabits the body of a queen (Shin Hye Sun) and gets involved with a secretive king (Kim Jung Hyun) who hides his intelligence and true personality. Shin Hye Sun plays Jang Bong Hwan who is a […]

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Letter to Pedro, US Citizen, Also Called Pete

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Letter to Pedro, US Citizen, Also Called Pete

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The poem shows how capitalism and corruption changed their town, but not for the better. The rich, like the mayor, just keep getting richer, while farmers struggle and end up wasting their hard-earned money on gambling or alcohol. The so-called "progress" with roads and bridges doesn’t really help the people who need it most—it just benefits those in power. It also touches on colonial mentality, with people chasing wealth and status, even if it means losing themselves, like Julia becoming a whore. In the end, it’s a sad reflection on how money and power can ruin a place that once felt like home.

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It is a beautiful thing to reveal both the simple and the complex within me. On the right side of the painting, I embrace cubism—not just for its allure, but as a reflection of my layered, intricate self. The broken lines and changing shapes show deep, complex thoughts. In contrast, the comic style on the left captures the lightness in me, the ease, the playful simplicity. Together, they form a quiet truth: I am the mix of storm and peace, becoming more each day.

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a t-shirt design using my own graphic design.

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1. Based on Walter Benjamin’s ideas, my T-shirt design can be considered art because it creatively reinterprets a culturally iconic image through digital manipulation and mass reproduction. By replacing The Beatles with branded bottles, the design loses the original’s “aura” but gains new meaning as a humorous commentary on consumerism and pop culture. In this way, the shirt becomes a form of accessible, modern art that engages the public in everyday spaces.

2. The concepts of “originality” and piracy shape how we perceive art by challenging traditional ideas of authorship and authenticity. When a work is seen as original, it often carries more cultural value and emotional impact, while pirated or copied versions may be dismissed as less meaningful—even if they reach wider audiences. However, in today’s remix culture, piracy can also democratize access and inspire creative reinterpretations, prompting us to see art not just as a product, but as an evolving conversation.