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Artist: Edvard Munch

Title: ‘The Kiss’

Year Created: 1897

About the work: The dark ambiance of The Kiss is representative of Munch's ambivalence regarding romance. It's virtually impossible to separate the two figures, particularly where their faces meet and become one in the painting.

Why I chose this work: Although this artwork will most likely be interpreted as romance, it actually hides a deep and sorrowful meaning behind it. I chose this work as I was able to correlate myself with my experience in love. This art depicts a romance between a couple and while their love for each other can be seen as great, it can also mean the loss of one another. If interpreted, love can get you obsessed. And with love, it can also cost you great risk.

References:

The Kiss, 1897 by Edvard Munch. (n.d.). Edvard Munch. https://www.edvardmunch.org/the-kiss.jsp

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Submitted by: Dustin Karl E. Chua

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Artist: Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Title: ‘The Census at Bethlehem’

Year Created: 1566

About the work: Observing the painting’s numerous self-contained vignettes of ordinary life, as it was experienced almost than half a millennium ago, it is impossible not to be struck by the continuity of the things that we value and the things that challenge us – a love of play, an appreciation of the importance of labour, the temptation of indulgence, the inspiration of hope, the unwelcome inevitably of paying taxes, the need for resistance to tyranny -- or just the peaceful pleasures of pottering around

Why I chose this work: In honor of the most-anticipated season of the year, I chose this artwork to express my deep appreciation during the Christmas season. Seeing this artwork, it made me conclude a variety of things that go on within it. Like how there is a gathering happening, some are working, while Mary and Joseph are traveling. Although there are so many elements in it, but somehow the piece itself is still unified. Which made me appreciate this particular piece more.

References:

Bruegel’s White Christmas: The Census at Bethlehem. (n.d.). Journal of ART in SOCIETY. https://www.artinsociety.com/bruegelrsquos-white-christmas-the-census-at-bethlehem.html

(AI Used: Scribbr - APA citation generator, Grammarly - for grammar enhancement/refinement)

Submitted by: Dustin Karl E. Chua

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Artist: Lois Mailou Jones

Title: ‘Les Clochards, Montmartre, Paris’

Year Created: 1947

About the work: In the artwork, four individuals are depicted on a bench, enveloped in heavy clothing, with palpable weariness and despair. The central figure is a woman, comfortably nestled and asleep, using a rucksack as a pillow. To her right, another woman sits with a solemn expression, lost in thought. Two men are seated on the other end of the bench, each appearing absorbed in their own isolation despite their close proximity. One man, with a hat pulled low, faces away from the viewer, exuding a withdrawn demeanor, while the other gazes downward introspectively. The background subtly features subdued colors and signage, reinforcing the urban setting. The figures’ postures and expressions, rendered in expressive brush strokes and moody tones, evoke a poignant reflection on human hardship and resilience.

Why I chose this work: I chose this particular piece as it reminds me of the contemporary issue of corruption going on our country. This art symbolizes how people of luxury are unbothered by how the poor are living. Choosing to act blindly not to help those who are helpless. Personally, I was able to correlate with this art piece as someone who lives in a country where corruption is normalized. Political dynasties are not talked enough, and people are continue to living blindly as long as this does not affect them.

References:

Les Clochards, Montmartre, Paris (1947) by Lois Mailou Jones. (2024). www.artchive.com. https://www.artchive.com/artwork/les-clochards-montmartre-paris-lois-mailou-jones-1947/

(AI Used: Scribbr - APA citation generator, Grammarly - for grammar enhancement/refinement)

Submitted by: Dustin Karl E. Chua

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Artist: Jose T. Joya

Title: ‘Dimension of Fear’

Year Created: 1965

About the work: Is an abstract expressionist painting that uses bold colors like reds and blacks, along with strong lines and textures, to evoke a dark, foreboding, and turbulent mood, possibly symbolizing a battle or the fear associated with conflict and societal issues.

Why I chose this work: Despite being an artwork of colors only, being unlikely similar to artworks with a character that embodies its work, this particular piece perfectly demonstrates an abstract painting. I like how it represented different dimensions through its colors. And to how I interpret it, it’s like the colors are spreading away, illustrating the feeling of fear. Truthfully, first time seeing it, I thought to myself that it wasn’t that much of value. But after incorporating the title to its piece, I gave myself some time to think and gave me the question of “What is fear?”, then after some time, I came up with the decision of choosing this as my 3rd art piece to present.

References:

Cañete, R., & Cañete, R. (2025, July 30). Jose Joya explores nature with abstract expressionism. BluPrint. https://bluprint-onemega.com/arts-culture/jose-t-joya-art/

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Submitted by: Dustin Karl E. Chua

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Artist: Arturo Luz

Title: ‘Bagong Taon’

Year Created: 1952

About the Work:

A trio of cyclists on a single bicycle are shown celebrating the New Year in Luz’s Bagong Taon. This painting is one of utter simplicity that belies careful, precise planning. Each object is there for a symbolic purpose: a tiny moon reveals it is evening, a small cone represents the trumpet used during the New Year’s Eve revelry, and a yellow-green background indicates that the action takes place outdoors. The cyclists are thin and straight. Their heads, faceless and pin shaped, are reduced to their basic geometric components. The only visible physical differences among the figures are the colors of their clothes.

Why I chose this work: With the Philippines being known as the country that celebrates the Christmas season during September, I chose this artwork given the month we are in today. Personally, as someone who have always took the Christmas and New Year season wholeheartedly and considering it as a month of change, I was able to reflect with this particular work. How one holds a telescope during New Year’s Eve illustrates the feeling of excitement for what a new year could hold for us. How the painting is represented by a trio, celebrating the new year with the friendships made. This painting is a reminder of celebration after a year of struggle, pain, and challenges.

References: Cultural Center of the Philippines. (2020). Bagong Taon. https://epa-beta.zennerslab.com/3/82/2133/

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Submitted by: Dustin Karl E. Chua

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Artist: Ang Kiukok

Title: ‘Thinking Man’

Year Created: 1981

About the work: The painting Thinking Man is a highly charged presentation of contrasts, which is achieved by the rendition of the pictorial space as a smooth surface vis-a-vis the textured application of paint on the subject. The inner struggle that is presented here goes beyond the literal. In as much as the human figure calls attention by its sheer size and position on the foreground, the vivid color behind the subject does not allow it to dominate visually, maintaining its own assertive presence.

Why I chose this work: After deeply analyzing Ang Kiukok’s work of art, this particular piece entitled ‘Thinking Man’ has caught my attention. In the aspect of art, although most of his work contains the same elements, this was by far the best that I’ve seen. The good color combination, precise use of shapes which enabled a fast interpretation of the work, and can express the meaning behind it. While focusing on the other hand, in relation to my observation after a long stare, I had a sincere interpretation from this art. I was able to feel the emotion of the art is trying to express; distress, sorrow, and darkness.

References:

> Ang Kiukok Artworks. (n.d.). Salcedo Auctions. https://blog.salcedoauctions.com/ang-kiukok-artworks/‌

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Submitted by: Dustin Karl E. Chua

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Artist: Paige Bradley

Title: Expansion

Year Created: 2004

About the work:

This contemporary mixed media sculpture is made by Paige Bradley whose fascination with art started when she was 9 years old, and was immersed in both nature and art. The sculpture is a woman in a meditating position, naked, and seen shining is coming from the cracks around her body.

Why I chose it:

I chose it because it's a representation of the hardships we face in life as a whole. It gives a message of how being "broken" is not a weakness, but a testament of how strong we are, as these cracks in us can pave a way and make us learn from our mistakes. Sometimes in life we have to not pretend we are not broken, but instead owe it up to that brokenness to be able to embrace our flaws. We have this inner light that ignites within us that expands beyond our limits, and that's my take on this artwork. The truth will set us free.

References:

Natashamoura. (2025, July 4). Expansion by Paige Bradley. Women’n Art. https://womennart.com/2017/05/17/expansion-by-paige-bradley/

Shashi. (2015a, February 19). Expansion - a beautiful sculpture by Paige Bradley. Medium. https://medium.com/@VerseEveryDay/expansion-a-beautiful-sculpture-by-paige-bradley-89e22ae59343

(used chatgpt for expounding ideas)

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Artist:  Artemisia Gentilesch

Title: Jael and Sisera

Year Created: 1620

About the work:

This is a Baroque oil painting which is expressed in a religious genre. As seen in the painting, the woman, Jael, is holding a huge nail and hammer on the temple of the man, Sisera.

Why I chose it:

I like how this painting by Artemisia speaks for women empowerment, on my end at least, maybe because we talked about this in our Religion classes when I was in high-school where Sisera, a Canaanite general was killed by a woman, Jael, because the army of Sisera has been oppressing the Israelites. Sisera was a survivor of sexual violence, and Although in our world nowadays, female power is rising, this painting coming from the 1600's where male dominance is prevalent, does not mean misogynists have completely disappeared. As a woman, the painting for me shows how women are capable to defend themselves. This painting coming from the year 1600's where women only stayed at home doing chores while their husbands work for a living and fight for the country says a lot about how women are looked down upon. In the Philippine context, it was a proud moment to see that women are now leading the country.

Reference:

Content, I. M. H. of. (2023, July 31). Artemisia Gentileschi paintings - the queen of the baroque. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/artemisia-gentileschi-paintings/

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Artist: Oscar Villamiel

Title: Payatas

Year Created: 2012

About the work:

The artwork used discarded dolls/ doll heads. It is a mixed-media installation art.

Its walls are filled with dolls that look like they’re smiling, but the bodies were smiling. Some have no arms, legs, hair, or eyes, and their faces look worn out and dirty, like they’ve been left in a dumpsite, which resembles to Payatas, a dumpsite.

Why I chose it:

I remembered the movie "Smaller and Smaller Circles" with this artwork. Young boys are being killed in Payatas and their innocence are being taken away. The dolls were a symbolism of the lost innocence of children, and the neglect of human suffering. I chose this installation art, as there are unseen and untold stories on each and every corner of our country and it is subtly represented by this art. At first glance you would only think it is a pile of dolls hanging, but there's a deep meaning created by the artist that unfolds the dark truth about children not literally being killed, but also their dreams in life.

Reference: Butuyan, J. R. (2019, August 5). Ideas as art. INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/123061/ideas-as-art

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Artist: Oscar Villamiel

Title: Mga Damong Ligaw

Year Created: 2014

About the work:

"Mga Damong Ligaw" is a large scale installation art that uses found materials from rural areas. The animals weren't killed by the artist, but only gathered what they had left behind. Yet it reveals so much about the quiet carnage that unfolds every day, unnoticed by most. Oscar spent about 9 years to collecting the castoff horns.

Why I chose it:

I chose this art because as I researched about it, it represents the state of our nation which are still prevalent up until the present time, and these are corruption, violence, and poverty. The horns were symbolizing the oppressed that are most of the time muted by society, and I can say that it says so much about the country because the ones that are in power, or the ones that have money whom also stole from the “kaban ng bayan,” are the ones being favored and I can also say that the oppressed are being silenced because of money. So, corruption, violence, and poverty overlaps with this.

References: Santos, C. (n.d.). Supreme pick: Oca Villamiel’s “Mga Damong Ligaw.” Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/supreme/2015/01/24/1416005/supreme-pick-oca-villamiels-mga-damong-ligaw

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Artist: Félix Resurrección Hidalgo

Title: A Lady in the Moonlight

Year created: Unknown

About the work:

A woman with soft features bathing under the moonlight, her gaze gentle yet distant, along with a tender expression on her face.

Why I chose it:

First of all, the woman is ethereal. The painting is still, quiet, yet it speaks directly to my heart. It perfectly captures the nights when you suddenly feel yearning for something or someone, a feeling that suddenly comes with no warning. Her gaze that is soft yet distant, looking into the unknown, shows that you’re yearning for something unattainable, or someone that cannot be reached, carrying with it the ache of uncertainty about what might happen if we dare to try. More so, it encapsulates the sudden bursts of melancholy, the unexplainable emptiness that floods the heart and mind. We are always longing, always yearning for what we wished we could’ve had, for the illusions of potential we still hold on to. How come wanting comes with that subtle ache, how the feeling persists even with uncertainties?

Reference: File:A lady in the moonlight Félix Resurrección Hidalgo.jpg - Wikimedia Commons. (n.d.). https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_lady_in_the_moonlight_F%C3%A9lix_Resurrecci%C3%B3n_Hidalgo.jpg

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Artist: Tim Noble and Sue Webster

Title: Dirty White Trash (With Gulls)

Year Created: 1998

About the work:

As we can see, the artwork involves a pile of trash that creates a beautiful shadow, making 2 people sitting back to back, one holding a drink, and one holding a cigarette.

Why I chose it:

I like something rare and when I saw this like years ago in my feed, I just thought to myself I should include it here, because of how intricate and amazing this artwork was made. For me, it gives the viewers the free will to interpret whether the 2 people are being sentimental, sad, or celebrating. It's like you think that trash should be disposed already, but little did we know, aside from recycling it to use in our lives, it could also be recycled as a beautiful masterpiece.

Reference: Featured actions. Art Works for Change. (n.d.). https://www.artworksforchange.org/portfolio/tim-noble-and-sue-webster/

Submitted by: Gabat, Frances Darnelle P.

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Artist: Benedicto Cabrera

Title: Crisis in Humanity

Year created: 2017

About the work:

A crowded black and white artwork filled with faces displaying diverse emotions, mostly of distress and desperation.

Why I chose it:

It is the perfect example of false hope, a disillusionment. Different faces together, cramped and trapped, their hands reaching out for something—or anything—that will pull them out of the darkness, no matter how unreachable it is. They reek of desperation to get out, and display fear of getting consumed by what seems to be a blackhole, something uncertain, but they keep getting pulled in the crisis. It shows the struggle of those marginalized, holding on to the false promises that those in power might one day lift them out of the slump. I chose this work because it shows the harsh reality of some people, especially here in the Philippines where poverty remains to be a pressing issue.

Reference: Benedicto Cabrera: Artist Profile | The Art Spore. (n.d.). The Art Spore. https://theartspore.com/featured-artists/benedicto-cabrera/

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Artist: Carlo Juntando

Title: Comfortably Numb

Year created: 2005

About the work:

A malnourished man curled up on the ground, his arms tightly holding on his knees, his face tucked in. The vibrant graffiti in the background contrasting his dull state.

Why I chose it:

During complicated times, things get overwhelmingly loud and hard to ignore. I chose this painting because of its loud message, even with the obvious silence the painting exudes. Unwanted thoughts seeping into the mind, making you want to shut down and shield yourself from those thoughts sinking into you further, looking for comfort with nothing but just yourself. That is what I immediately thought while looking at this painting. The fragile man, so thin that his bones are visible, is curled up on the ground—such miserable position in an uncomfortable environment. Despite the harsh conditions, he seeks comfort in his self. The graffiti art behind him, colorful and vibrant, contrasts his current discomfort. It reminds me that suffering is silent, often remaining unseen, as it gets overshadowed by the loudness and continuous flow of life—you just get used to it. In relation to its title ‘Comfortably Numb,’ the man has conditioned himself into living like that, living with what he has in the moment. What else can he do? He is weak, he doesn’t have a choice; but he still chose to face his struggles head on.

References: ArtMajeur. (2006, October 28). ArtMajeur, Art Gallery #1 online for 20 years. ArtMajeur Online Art Gallery. https://www.artmajeur.com/carlojuntado/en/artworks/1035401/comfortably-numb

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Pow Martinez, "Affluenza", 2021, Oil on canvas

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1st Filipino Art (Cruz, Julienne Reign G.)

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1st Filipino Art (Cruz, Julienne Reign G.)

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Pow Martinez, a notable Filipino contemporary artist in this century, has one of my favorite pieces which is this neo-expressionistic work that you see. Its title actually gives you a lot of context as to what the painting means. Its title is a sarcastic play on words of the word "affluence" meaning rich; well-off, and "influence" pertaining to influencers in media, and "influenza" as in the common virus, which basically encapsulates everything you need to note about this meaningful and chaotic painting. It tells you about the privilege that people have (especially the influencers) in desperate times, like how the year this was painted which is 2021, which is a year just after the pandemic. Very figurative and fun painting since there's so much to make meaning of!

Reference: Silverlens Galleries. (n.d.). Pow Martinez.

https://www.silverlensgalleries.com/artists/pow-martinez

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Pablo Picasso, "The Dream", 1932, Oil on canvas

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I'm sure the only people who haven't heard of Picasso, live under a rock, but for those who know him, you know he's gifted at painting. He used to do such great, impressionistic paintings and portraits, and then all of a sudden, he turned to cubism and geometric art. A bit of a shift, which I find quite disappointing, but this portrait of Picasso's mistress takes the cake of how disappointingly beautiful this portrait was. Now, if you know nothing about the context of this painting, you, as the audience, would likely find it a very pristine, abstract artwork. But for those who know, that's Picasso's mistress and that split on her face? That's his phallic member. I was honestly gagged by this painting, and in a good, cheeky way. Who would have thought that a painting in Picasso's art which is generally just cubism and geometric shapes, could have that sort of hidden symbolism in it, which honestly blew me away. And although the context of this is quite upsetting, and scandalous, it's honestly better that way. Why? Because this is how art should also be. It shouldn't just be a keepsake for the audience, but also something to share; A secret, a fantasy, an affair, a crime: Paint it, and it's art. And so for us to see this painting, we see Picasso's life, we see him as a person; A painting that reflects on an artist's identity. THAT is what makes this work, as contextually wrong as it is, an art.

Reference: PabloPicasso.org. (n.d.). The Dream (Le Rêve), 1932 by Pablo Picasso. https://www.pablopicasso.org/the-dream.jsp

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Le Rêve was purchased for $7,000 in 1941 by Victor and Sally Ganz of New York City. This purchase began their 50-year collection of works by just five artists: Picasso, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella, and Eva Hesse.

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Maurizio Cattelan, "The Comedian", 2019, Art installation

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Yes, a banana is one that I consider a piece of art. But why? Maurizio Cattelan is an Italian artist that is known for creating art that is provoking, controversial, and an actual menace in the art community, in a nice way. I say this because this art proves of his intentions, how his concept of art works, and why it is brilliant. This fresh banana stuck to a white, blank drywall is actually a message of how susceptible and influenced one can be on their personal sense of artistic value and taste. Cattelan's intention is to show how people don't just buy absurd art like this banana stuck with duct tape, but rather, they buy the concept of it. And its concept relies on the ability of an audience to find its meaning and value, which greatly proves Cattelan's intention of how easily influenced and how immediate an audience constructs opinions and attachments towards even the most absurd pieces like this installation. And I think Cattelan has the right idea for it and thus, I think it is outstanding. Art should not be taken too seriously, and neither should it deter people from being able to see it, which is what I received as an underlying message from this silly yet genius installation.

Reference: Amos, J. (2023, June 1). Comedian by Maurizio Cattelan: controversial postmodern artwork. Art de Vivre. https://artdevivre.com/articles/comedian-by-maurizioi-cattelan-controversial-postmodern-artwork/

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Artist: Juan Luna

Title: Spoliarium

Year Created: 1884

About this work:

Spoliarium is a large oil on canvas painting, taking Juan Luna around 8 months to complete it. It depicts dying gladiators in an arena being dragged away.

Why I chose this work:

While the Spoliarium is about gladiators dying and entertaining their Roman oppressors, I feel as if it also has somewhat of a double meaning. It could be interpreted as the suffering of the Filipino peoples under the Spanish rule, forced to go along with their whims as they were seen as inferior. With Juan Luna and Hidalgo both winning awards for their paintings, gold and silver respectively, in the same competition, Jose Rizal commenting on it being "fresh proof of racial equality". It is an interesting thought, for sure.

Reference:

Admin. (2023, October 16). SPOLIARIUM. Philippine Folklife Museum Foundation | San Francisco, Ca. https://philippinefolklifemuseum.org/portfolio-items/spoliarium/

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Edward Hopper, "Nighthawks", 1942, Oil on canvas

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Edward Hopper and his artworks are one that strikes me with so much enigma. Even in this painting, there is a lot to unpack, and yet, there never seems to be a specific message being conveyed in this painting, which is what draws us into Hopper's painting. This piece is actually my introduction to Hopper, and this painting left me clueless as to what to think of it. Until now, nobody knows what it really means. But, if there's one thing I've learned from Hopper's art style, is that he loves windows. He loves painting windows because his intention with his paintings, is to let the viewer become one within the setting of his works hence, those windows. I'm sure most of us have heard of the idiom "the eyes are the windows to the soul", and for this matter, it is proven to be a vice versa because the windows in Hopper's paintings, are what lets us see the soul of a painting. Those windows in that diner, late at night, automatically focus on the subjects inside the diner, what their relationships with each other are, and how the painting is set to be. This is a good start of how art should be: Open for interpretation, and an optical feast.

Reference: Art Institute of Chicago. (n.d.). Nighthawks [Painting by Edward Hopper, 1942]. Art Institute of Chicago. https://www.artic.edu/artworks/111628/nighthawks

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Julie Lluch, "Cutting Onions Always Make Me Cry", 1988, Acrylic on Ceramics

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3rd Filipino Art (Cruz, Julienne Reign G.)

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3rd Filipino Art (Cruz, Julienne Reign G.)

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Julie Lluch is another Filipino artist from Iligan City, who I adore very much so. This was my first introduction to her art, and it still holds so much significance to me to this day. Lluch's intention with this painting actually stems from masking women's vulnerability through such a simple task like cutting onions in a space that is reminiscent of a kitchen, which brings us closer to inspect the date in which this was created which was during the 1980s to 1990s, wherein women these days, still had to assume gender roles that were designated by the patriarchy. And so, this sculpture and how it is designed both in its subject and its context, it shows how women were heavily subjected to roles and perceptions that they never seemed to be content with thus, this painting.

Reference: Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Cutting Onions Always Makes Me Cry [Art object by Julie Lluch, 1988]. https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/cutting-onions-always-makes-me-cry-julie-lluch/egGJXTx6MNJsXw?hl=en

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Artist: Félix Resurrección Hidalgo

Title: La Barca de Aqueronte

Year Created: 1887

About this work:

La Barca de Aqueronteis is an oil on canvas painting, translating into "The Boat of Charon" or "Charon's Boat" in English. The painting is based on Hidalgo's read of Dante's Inferno while in Italy. It is based on his interpretation of damned souls journeying across River Acheron towards the gates of hell. One of the main focuses of the work, the boatman, is Charon from Greek mythology, the one responsible for transporting people across the rivers of Acheron and Styx.

Why I chose this work:

I like Greek mythology a lot, and I couldn't give up the chance to make a post about one made by a Filipino artist. The Greek underworld, Hades, has always been interesting in how it handled the way dead souls were transported to hell, and I feel as if this painting captures that perfectly.

Reference:

Clopez. (2021, June 17). ‘La Barca de Aqueronte’ by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, 1887. Lifestyle.INQ. https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/384424/la-barca-de-aqueronte-by-felix-resurreccion-hidalgo-1887/

La Barca de Aqueronte (The Boat of Charon) — Steemit. (n.d.). Steemit. https://steemit.com/art/@watersnake101/la-barca-de-aqueronte-the-boat-of-charon

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Mideo Cruz, "Polteismo", 2011, Site-specific installation

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2nd Filipino Art (Cruz, Julienne Reign G.)

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2nd Filipino Art (Cruz, Julienne Reign G.)

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Polteismo is one of the most memorable art installations that I have ever seen, and to see it coming from another Filipino artist, makes it twice as memorable for me. Polteismo, or Polytheism, is essentially a concept wherein one believes in another god. So, the title of this installation already leads you to its intention. Pay attention to the scraps of images that are adjacent to the images of Christ, and even the vandalized details in the installation itself; They represent the message of how severe Polytheism can get, wherein idols and notable media figures, are used as a savior, or a scapegoat from reality by other people in society, that parasocial relationships start to form, and the people being adored in the spotlight start to become powerful and unsafe. It was a shame that this was taken down by the former president Ninoy Aquino himself, because many of the press thought this installation, was a mockery of religion, when in fact, that interpretation was far from the intention. And this controversy that it caused, also proves how much the audience and the true intention of an artist can become so different.

Reference: Placino, M. P. O. C., & Legaspi-Ramirez, M. E. (2020, November 18). Poleteismo. In Encyclopedia of Philippine Art (Digital Edition). Cultural Center of the Philippines. https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2273/

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Artist: Juan Sajid Imao

Title: Sentinel of Freedom

Year Created: 2004

About this work:

The Sentinel of Freedom, is a monument to Lapulapu, the chief of Mactan Island. Though there are two prominent Lapulapu statues, one in Mactan to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Mactan, the monument in the image is the Sentinel of Freedom, a gift from Korea that was recently restored and relocated to Maria Orosa Street in Rizal Park. It is a 12.19 meter statue, including its 3.05 meter pedestal.

Why I chose it:

A tribute to our country's first national hero, Lapulapu, of course I had to pick it. After winning the Battle of Mactan which resulted in Ferdinand Magellan's death, he fought for his freedom after they threatened to take it away. Even more interesting is that the Sentinel of Freedom is 400 meters away from a statue of Jose Rizal, symbolizing their almost 400 year distance in history.

Reference:

Lapu-Lapu stirs row at Luneta. (2004, February 8). Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2004/02/08/238076/lapu-lapu-stirs-row-luneta

National Historical Commission of the Phillippines. (2025, May 18). https://nhcp.gov.ph/news_and_updates/national-museum-unveils-marker-at-sentinel-of-freedom-monument-for-international-museum-day-2025/#:~:text=The%20Sentinel%20of%20Freedom%20Monument,Jose%20Rizal.

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Artist: Fernando Amorsolo

Title: Fisherman at Sunset

Year Created: 1955

About the work: "Fisherman at sunset", captures the unique style in oil painting, and settles below warm, glowing light. It gives a beautiful, tranquil, and nostalgic feels, showing the rural side of the life of Filipinos. Amorsolo combined soft brushstrokes, creating the whole view of the painting.

Why I chose it:

I chose this art simply because it showcases the Filipinos' culture and their determination to work. It shows how our manggagawang Pilipino is the heart of our economy, and the fact that the painting itself is named 'Fisherman at Sunset," shows literally how fishermen works from when the sun rises, until the sun sets, and some even at night. I also felt that the painting, with its colors, evoke a glimmer of hope, as fishing is one of the livelihoods that kept Filipino families alive.

Reference: Fernando Amorsolo artworks. Salcedo Auctions. (2022, August 22). https://blog.salcedoauctions.com/fernando-amorsolo-artworks/

Submitted by: Gabat, Frances Darnelle P.

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Artist: Lucian Freud

Title: Rose

Year created: 1979

About the work:

A naked portrait of Freud’s, at the time, teenage daughter, Rose. It took him several night sessions painting her. When the portrait was finished, it shocked her how much it focused on her genitals.

Why I chose it:

I chose this painting due to its disturbing backstory. At a glance, from a casual viewer, it seems like a normal naked portrait of a woman.  Yet being aware of the imbalance of their father-daughter relationship, and how Freud is as a person, it delivered the unsettling feeling. This perspective of mine did not come from a sexualizing eye; it’s in the way he portrayed his daughter from his point of view. Making her look obedient, oddly emphasizing on her genitals which also shocked Rose. It is just so disturbing that I began to question myself: what are the boundaries when it comes to art?

Reference: Adams, T. (2025, March 6). ‘I don’t want to cancel him’: Rose Boyt on confronting the gaze of her father, Lucian Freud. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/article/2024/may/12/rose-boyt-naked-portrait-lucian-freud-daughter-interview

Barber, L. (2024b, June 6). The ordeal of sitting for my father Lucian Freud. The Spectator. https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-ordeal-of-sitting-for-my-father-lucian-freud/

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Title: A Painting on a pair of mother-of-pearl

Artist: Jose Rizal

Year: Unknown

Brief description:

Was originally given as a gift for Doña Leonor Valenzuela but was later passed to Doña Margarita Valenzuela

Why I chose this:

Taking into account that Doña Leonor was Jose Rizal's greatest love and the girl he's been writing love letters for even during his time in Madrid, the painting is a cute token of their love even if they did not end up together; it shows that love lives in different ways and that love creates beauty

References:

https://www.scribd.com/document/483732622/365522191-Jose-Rizal-Paintings

Submitted by: Nikaela Aviles

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Title: Tres Marias

Artist: Ben Cabrera

Year: 2003

Brief description:

Displayed in Hong Kong Heritage Museum from December 2003 to March 2004, this was Bencab’s earlier paintings when playing with light and contrast while using expressive and precise visual language when completing the painting

Why I chose this:

The painting is unique and interesting because of how Bencab expresses the women's dresses and how it seems to mirror the separate women’s personalities

References:

https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/art-exhibits/68574/leon-gallery-kingly-treasures-auction-a00171-20161128

https://www.scribd.com/document/507435110/FilipinoArtist#:~:text=investigation%20of%20shape%20and%20structure,humanity%20while%20blue%20represent%20life

Submitted by: Nikaela Aviles

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Title: España y Filipinas

Artist: Juan Luna

Year: 1884

Brief description:

Depicts two women, representing Spain (woman in red)  and the Philippines (woman in blue), going up the steps of a staircase as the woman in red leads the woman in blue, representing Spain leading the Philippines towards progress and development

Why I chose this:

Simply because this somehow reflects Juan Luna’s views (and the privileged’s views) of their fellow, less fortunate Filipinos. Juan was depicting Spain’s silent and guiding hand to the Philippines when it came to progress and development contrasts the reality of the situation, showing the ignorance of those privileged enough to be sat next to Spaniards and walk among them

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espa%C3%B1a_y_Filipinas

Submitted by: Nikaela Aviles

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Title: Molly Malone

Artist: commissioned by Jurys Hotel Group; designed by Jeanne Rynhart

Year: 1988

Brief description:

A statue based on a song of a fictional tale of a fishwife. She (Molly) piled her trade in Dublin. She is depicted to be a seller in the morning and a prostitute at night

Why I chose this:

Compared to the rest of the statue, her chest area is still shiny-looking due to visitors over the time using them as an object of amusement by placing their hands on that area when posing for pictures. This statue is a prime example of the phrase, “to be a woman is to perform”

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molly_Malone

Submitted by: Nikaela Aviles

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Title: Venus de Milo

Artist: Unknown

Year: 2nd century BC

Brief description:

Statue of the Greek goddess Aphrodite that was only intended to be viewed from the front (the back is less refined compared to the front)

Why I chose this:

This artwork has always fascinated me because of its beauty, and Aphrodite being the goddess of love and beauty, we can see how people during that period of time interpret beauty and what is beauty to them

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_de_Milo

Louvre, The Masterpieces

Submitted by: Nikaela Aviles

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Title: The Rape of Proserpina

Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Year: 1621–22

Brief description:

It is a large baroque marble sculpture that depicts a woman (Proserpina) abducted by a man (Pluto), who is seizing her to be taken to the underworld. The dog (Cerberus) symbolizes the border of the underworld and the living. It is based on the Latin myth of Proserpina, a Greek Goddess and daughter to Jupiter and Ceres, and why seasons change (in harvest)

Why I chose this:

The myth of Proserpina summarized is a mother abandoning her duties to save her daughter only for her husband to negotiate with her abductor as if she is an object to be fought for. The change in seasons because of Ceres’ mood reflects how distraught she is that she cannot be with her daughter because her husband, Jupiter, agreed to let her abductor, Pluto, have her for half a year while she gets the other half. The statue, like how the men in the myth treat her, captures how women, human or goddess, are treated as objects by men—even if that man is your own father. It also captures how powerful a woman’s emotions could be (via Ceres’ power; she is the Roman goddess of Harvest). The sculpture itself is mesmerising and beautiful down to its smallest details. The artist

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rape_of_Proserpina

Submitted by: Nikaela Aviles

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Artist: Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo

Title: La Laguna Estigia

Year Created: 1887

About the work: This painting depicts a darker rendition of the poem Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri in the river of Styx, the setting of the last circle in hell.

Why I Chose This: Anything about the Divine Comedy has always struck an interest in me. This painting caught my attention for reliving familiar parts in the poem with even more detail and a perfect subject for visualization. This painting has made me appreciate the poem more.

Reference:

Phillife. (n.d.). The most iconic paintings of the Philippines. Retrieved September 6, 2025, from Phillife website: https://www.phillife.co/paintings-philippines/

SUBMITTED BY:

Santillan, Andrea Shane O.

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Artist: Hugo Simberg

Title: The Wounded Angel

Year created: 1903

About the work:

Two young boys carrying a blindfolded angel on a stretcher, one of which is directly glaring to the viewer. The angel is a little girl with wounded wings, visibly in pain as she tilts her gaze down, white flowers clutched in her hand. Though Simberg refused to elaborate its meaning, the painting is supposedly influenced by his own experience of recovering from a long illness.

Why I chose it:

The little boy’s direct gaze along with the sullen atmosphere gives me a certain feeling of discomfort. A haunting, confrontational stare, seemingly making me guilty, like I had done an unforgivable act to the angel they are carrying. His gaze contains a reminder to be mindful of our actions to other people as we might unintentionally deeply hurt someone with pure intentions, akin to the angel. Contrarily to the aforementioned, the boys are the guilty, ‘evil’ ones trying to take the angel away, his intense stare signaling us to stay quiet.  Similarly to prevalent issues in society, particularly the social hierarchy. The crippled angel being those of the powerless accused innocent who are forced to stay silent, and the little boys representing those who are in power that easily gets to control the system into their favor.

Reference: The Wounded Angel - Hugo Simberg - Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Google Arts & Culture. https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-wounded-angel/WAHm6ruBFNfnLw?hl=en

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Artist: Dr. Jose Rizal

Title: La Venganza de la Madre

Year Created: 1894

About the work: This sculpture presents how a mother dog tried to rescue her pup from the bite of a crocodile which is a symbolic representation of Filipino patriots (mother dog) saving defenseless countrymen (puppy) from the Spanish power (crocodile).

Why I Chose This: This sculpture appeared to me because of its intense presentation of an action. The emotion and the intensity of the image is clearly shown. And as you delve deeper into the hidden meaning behind, you'll understand the root of the tension and expressive emotions the sculpture effectively displayed.

Reference:

National Museum of the Philippines. (n.d.). Sculptures. Retrieved September 6, 2025, from National Museum of the Philippines website: https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/our-collections/fine-arts/sculptures/

SUBMITTED BY:

Santillan, Andrea Shane O.

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Artist: Elmer Borlongan

Title: Kubli (Shelter)

Year Created: 1993

About the work: This painting depicts an exhausted child asleep finding shelter on a bare floor seemingly in a difficult situation in life at the moment.

Why I chose this: I feel a huge similar sentiment to people who constantly longs for security and comforter. Metaphorically, I know the feeling of always looking for a place to settle down, somewhere comfortable like a shelter. This artwork not just showed the common situation of people who experience difficulty in life, especially children who live on the side of the road, but also speaks to my own experiences for sharing the same emotional baggage.

Reference:

Pintô Art Museum. (n.d.). Shelter (Kubli). Retrieved September 6, 2025, from Pinto Art Museum website: https://pintoart.org/shelter

SUBMITTED BY:

Santillan, Andrea Shane O.

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Artist: Elmer Borlongan

Title: Shelter (Kubli)

Year Created: 1993

About the work: This painting depicts an exhausted child asleep finding shelter on a bare floor seemingly in a difficult situation in life at the moment.

Why I chose this: I feel a huge similar sentiment to people who constantly longs for security and comforter. Metaphorically, I know the feeling of always looking for a place to settle down, somewhere comfortable like a shelter. This artwork not just showed the common situation of people who experience difficulty in life, especially children who live on the side of the road, but also speaks to my own experiences for sharing the same emotional baggage.

Reference:

Pintô Art Museum. (n.d.). Shelter (Kubli). Retrieved September 6, 2025, from Pinto Art Museum website: https://pintoart.org/shelter

SUBMITTED BY:

Santillan, Andrea Shane O.

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Artist: Rembrandt

Title: The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp

Year Created: 1632

About the work: Dr. Nicolaes Tulp performed an anatomy lesson in front of the seven members of Guild of Surgeons using a common criminal's body as a cadaver.

Why I chose this:

When I first caught a glimpse of this painting, it immediately reminded me of my current program. A month ago, I learned from the history of Medical Technology that they weren't allowed for human dissections before and was only diagnosing diseases through physical appearance and urine. Other than that, I've learned that when they were finally allowed to perform dissections, it was so popular that it became a public event with admission fees that liked by people such as Rembrandt.

Reference:

Osgerby, W. (n.d.). Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved September 6, 2025, from Encyclopædia Britannica website: https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Anatomy-Lesson-of-Dr-Nicolaes-Tulp

SUBMITTED BY:

Santillan, Andrea Shane O.

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Artist: William Bouguereau

Title: Dante and Virgil in Hell

Year Created: 1850

About the work: This painting was based on the Divine Comedy written by Dante Alighieri, specifically the eighth circle of hell.

Why I Chose This: (used Chatgpt for grammar checking and paraphrasing) In this painting, Bouguereau brought a part of Dante's poem to life. Personally, I have recently begun to appreciate literary works and artworks with similar themes. Depictions of religious subjects that include their darker sides always make me feel very invested. Now, after becoming familiar with The Divine Comedy through various adaptations, this painting has allowed me to form an even clearer picture of how the poem unfolds. I love how Bouguereau made the characters so expressive, capturing the real intensity of the scene, the overall tone of the painting, and the tension drawn from the original text.

Reference:

Musée d’Orsay. (n.d.). Dante et Virgile. Retrieved September 6, 2025, from Musée d’Orsay website: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/artworks/dante-et-virgile-153692

SUBMITTED BY:

Santillan, Andrea Shane O.

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Artist: Hieronymus Bosch

Title: The Garden of Earthly Delights Triptych

Year Created: 1490-1510

About the work: This painting is a triptych or three connected panels. The left panels depict the Paradise/Eden, the center shows the garden of earthly delights or simply our sins, and the right panel depicts hell.

Why I Chose it: (used Chatgpt for grammar checking and paraphrasing) First of all, this painting easily captures everyone’s attention because of its surreal landscape and vibrant figures. What’s even more interesting is that the deeper you dive into the piece, the more you gradually uncover the hidden darkness beyond its beauty. I am drawn to this painting’s duality, its explicit yet realistic themes, and the way it sums up humanity, embracing both heaven and hell, in such a creative manner. I admire Bosch’s way of presenting his ideas, how he allowed himself to explore controversial yet realistic themes, and his remarkable skill in producing such a masterpiece. I have always been a fan of admiring art with this perspective, valuing not just the craft itself but also the depth of meaning behind it. I believe there is no more magical experience than understanding the significance of a painting beyond its surface image.

Reference:

Museo Nacional del Prado. (n.d.). The Garden of Earthly Delights Triptych. Retrieved September 6, 2025, from Museo Nacional del Prado website: https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the‐collection/art-work/the-garden-of-earthly-delights-triptych/02388242-6d6a-4e9e-a992-e1311eab3609

SUBMITTED BY:

Santillan, Andrea Shane O.

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Artist: Archie Oclos (Painter)

Photographer: Kimberly dela Cruz

Year: 2019

The album cover for Kolateral by Filipino hip-hop collective Sandata features a mural painted by Archie Oclos, photographed by Kimberly dela Cruz. The mural is located in the San Roque community in Quezon City and depicts a powerful image of a man with a blindfold, symbolizing the victims of the Philippine drug war. The artwork is not just a static image; it exists within the community it represents, adding layers of meaning and context to the album's themes of social justice and resistance. The choice to photograph the mural in its real-world setting emphasizes the connection between art and activism, making the cover a poignant statement on the issues addressed in the album.

I chose this artwork because it powerfully merges visual art with social commentary, while also reflecting the depth of Sandata’s music. I enjoy this album because it goes beyond the usual themes in hip-hop—money, sex, and fame—and instead tackles meaningful societal issues with thoughtfulness and insight. The mural’s presence in the San Roque community transforms it from a mere album cover into a living piece of activism, resonating with the themes of the album. It exemplifies how art can be a tool for advocacy, bringing attention to pressing societal issues while showcasing the depth and substance that hip-hop can achieve.

Ichimura, A. (2019, July 23). Kolateral is an unfiltered rap chronicle of the drug war. Esquire Philippines. https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/music/kolateral-is-an-unfiltered-rap-chronicle-of-the-drug-war-a1926-20190723-lfrm

Submitted by: Samonte, Kate

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Artist: René Magritte

Title: The Lovers

Year created: 1928

About the work:

A surrealist painting depicting a couple kissing, each with a white cloth wrapped around their head.

Why I chose it:

Love is filled with flaws; it is blind despite hearts being entwined. Such intimacy will never be able to touch a soul; one can ever truly know a person.  A romantic illustration of affection shrouded with mystery, provoking my thoughts on what it really means. The white cloth covering the couple’s heads signifies their union; a barrier concealing their true nature of affection; the uncertainties of what love has to offer, or how suffocating it is to love. Its meaning can also go beyond love, rather illustrating our inherent inability to see the naked truth, remaining blinded by desires.  I love how this painting gives a clear, straightforward image, but its mystery makes you ponder about it endlessly.

Reference: Martet, C. (2023, August 22). Canvassing the masterpiece: Magritte’s “The Lovers“. Rise Art. https://www.riseart.com/article/2709/canvassing-the-masterpiece-magritte-s-the-

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Artist: Martin Honasan

Title: Munimuni (Album Cover)

Year Created: 2018

The album cover for Munimuni’s self-titled album features a painting by Martin Honasan from his series Bautismo. Honasan painted the piece while listening to the band’s music, even before meeting them, allowing the emotions and themes of the album to directly influence his artistic choices. The painting captures a contemplative and introspective mood, reflecting the poetic and soulful nature of Munimuni’s music. Its textured brushwork and subtle color palette convey both vulnerability and depth, creating a visual experience that complements the lyrical and musical content of the album.

I chose this artwork because it beautifully demonstrates the connection between music and visual art. I appreciate how Honasan translated the feelings and atmosphere of Munimuni’s songs into a painting, capturing the emotion and introspection of their music. The cover exemplifies how art can evoke mood and meaning, enhancing the listener’s experience and allowing the music to be felt both visually and sonically.

Munimuni. (2019). Tahanan [Song]. On Kulayan Natin. Marilag Records and Productions. https://www.deezer.com/en/track/707737682

Submitted by: Samonte, Kate

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Artist/Photographer: Christian Weber

Title: Self Care (Album Cover)

Year Created: 2018

The album cover for Mac Miller’s Self Care (2018) was photographed by Christian Weber and is rich with symbolic and introspective meaning. Miller is depicted sitting in a pink linen suit, barefoot inside a box that resembles a coffin, half slumped and half emerging, suggesting the tension between life and death. The cover references several of Miller’s previous works: the central vertical stripe echoes Blue Slide Park, the facial expression recalls Watching Movies with the Sound Off, the white background mirrors GO:OD AM, and the suit references The Divine Feminine. His bare feet symbolize mortality and vulnerability, while the box and soil imagery connect to themes explored in the “Self Care” music video. The addition of a photoshopped airplane window alludes to reaching career heights while feeling trapped, encapsulating his emotional and artistic evolution.

I chose this artwork because it is deeply introspective and layered with symbolism, reflecting both Mac Miller’s personal struggles and artistic growth. I appreciate how the cover conveys vulnerability, mortality, and transformation, showing that even in success, there can be introspection and uncertainty. The imagery encourages viewers to reflect on the complexity of life, fame, and self-discovery, making it more than just a visual— it’s a profound narrative about the human experience and the evolution of an artist.

Weber, C. (Photographer). (2018). Self Care [Album cover for Swimming by Mac Miller]. Warner Bros. Records. https://www.deezer.com/en/track/533802022

Submitted by: Samonte, Kate

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Artist/Photographer: Jonathan Mannion

Title: To Pimp a Butterfly (Album Cover)

Year Created: 2015

The album cover for To Pimp a Butterfly depicts a group of African Americans, including men, women, and children, posing in front of the White House. Some hold cash, champagne bottles, or guns, while one man lies on the lawn as if dead. This stark imagery reflects the themes of Kendrick Lamar’s album: systemic racism, inequality, black empowerment, and social critique. The cover juxtaposes triumph and tragedy, critique and celebration, highlighting both the oppression African Americans have faced and their resilience in the face of it. The photograph transforms a historical symbol of power—the White House—into a canvas for commentary on contemporary racial and social issues.

I chose this artwork because it is bold, provocative, and socially conscious. I appreciate how the image conveys complex themes of oppression, resilience, and community in a single frame, mirroring the album’s exploration of identity and systemic injustice. The cover challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while also celebrating black culture and solidarity. It demonstrates how visual art can be used to amplify the messages of music, creating a powerful dialogue about society and history.

Paul, A. (2020, May 8). To Pimp A Butterfly album art—A semiotic analysis. Medium. https://medium.com/@abhishekpaul90/to-pimp-a-butterfly-album-art-a-semiotic-analysis-22305826dbec

Submitted by: Samonte, Kate

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Artist: George Condo

Title: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (album cover)

Year Created: 2010

The My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album cover, created by George Condo in 2010, is a striking example of contemporary surrealism. The artwork features a grotesque, cartoonish figure straddling a naked female form, rendered in Condo’s chaotic, exaggerated style. Its bold and provocative imagery mirrors the themes of Kanye West’s album—fame, excess, vulnerability, and the darker sides of human desire. The surrealism challenges the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths while reflecting the complexity of Kanye’s persona during this period. This cover blurs the lines between music and visual art, transforming an album into a multidimensional artistic experience.

I chose this artwork because it pushes boundaries both visually and conceptually, making the viewer stop and think. I appreciate how Condo’s surrealist style, combined with Kanye’s thematic vision, captures the contradictions of human nature—chaos, beauty, darkness, and desire—all in a single image. The artwork exemplifies how art can provoke thought, elicit strong emotional responses, and elevate music into a larger cultural conversation. It reminds us that album covers can be more than decorative—they can be powerful statements in their own right.

Condo, G. (2010). My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy [Album cover]. Roc-A-Fella Records

Submitted by: Samonte, Kate

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Name of the artist: Neil Doloricon

Title: Gahasa sa Soberanya

Year Created: 2013

About the work:US Bases Gahasa sa Soberanya (2013) depicts soldiers, tanks and a war ship, all guns pointed at a brown-skinned naked woman who is being groped by the hands of an unseen white attacker. It is a strong patriotic work criticizing the presence of American military bases in the Philippines. Through the artwork, Doloricon conveys the abuse and exploitation caused by foreign military presence, which he sees as a violation of Philippine sovereignty and dignity.

Why I chose the artwork: I chose this artwork because I appreciate how Doloricon exposes the brutal exploitation of Filipinos by American colonizers, highlighting the helplessness of the people, especially women, and reminding us not to forget these dark chapters of our history.

References: Recinto, M. (2021, July 20). Neil Doloricon, whose art championed the underdog in Filipino society, 1957–2021. ArtReview. https://artreview.com/neil-doloricon-whose-art-championed-the-underdog-in-filipino-society-1957-2021/

Submitted by: Samonte, Kate

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Artist: Gustav Klimt

Title: Death and Life

Year Created: 1910–1915

About the work:

This painting portrays life and death existing together, with lively, colorful figures of the living set against the shadowy presence of death. The contrast captures the fleeting and fragile nature of existence, offering a contemplative yet poignant view of human life. The work conveys both the vibrancy of life and the inevitability of mortality.

Why I chose this:

I chose this artwork because it reminds me to value every moment and the people who matter most in my life. It makes me reflect on how fleeting life is and that each experience, relationship, and memory holds significance. The painting encourages me to embrace life fully, to find meaning in both happiness and sorrow, and to recognize that even the awareness of mortality can make our moments richer and more beautiful.

Reference:

Most Famous Paintings. (n.d.). Death and Life. https://en.most-famous-paintings.com/MostFamousPaintings.nsf/A?Open&A=6E3TF6

used grammarly for grammar

Submitted by:

Garcia, Althea Nicole F.

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Artist: Käthe Kollwitz
Title: Woman with Dead Child
Year Created: 1903

About the work:
A mother is shown cradling her lifeless child, expressing grief, love, and human vulnerability. The emotion in the work is raw yet deeply human, capturing universal feelings of loss and sorrow with quiet intensity.

Why I chose this:
I chose this piece because it reflects the depth of human emotion and the power of love even in moments of profound grief. It reminds me to value relationships and connections while embracing the inevitability of loss as part of life. The work inspires empathy and reflection, showing that grief can coexist with love and that both are essential to understanding the human experience. It encourages me to be more compassionate and present with the people I care about.

Reference:

Kollwitz, K. (1903). Woman with Dead Child [Etching]. Käthe Kollwitz Museum Köln. https://www.kollwitz.de/en/woman-with-dead-child-kn-81

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Submitted by:

Garcia, Althea Nicole F.

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Artist: Francisco Goya
Title: Saturn Devouring His Son
Year Created: 1819–1823

About the work:
The painting depicts Saturn in a moment of intense, almost desperate action, consuming his child. The dark, dramatic imagery conveys themes of mortality, fear, and the inescapable passage of time. Its unsettling tone evokes strong reflection on the harsher truths of existence.

Why I chose this:
I chose this painting because it challenges me to confront difficult aspects of life, including fear, mortality, and loss. It reminds me that acknowledging life’s darker realities allows for greater awareness and appreciation of the present. The intensity of the work encourages me to value relationships, moments, and experiences, understanding that even the most difficult emotions contribute to personal growth and empathy.

Reference:

Times of India. (2020, August 13). Saturn Devouring His Son: Everything you should know about the painting. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/saturn-devouring-his-son-everything-you-should-know-about-the-painting/articleshow/77502946.cms

used grammarly for grammar

Submitted By:

Garcia, Althea Nicole F.

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Artist: Jose T. Joya
Title: Granadean Arabesque
Year Created: 1958

About the work:
Flowing lines and colors sweep across the canvas in a rhythm that feels alive yet introspective. The abstract composition evokes thought, memory, and quiet emotion, inviting viewers to explore their own reflections. There is a subtle harmony and balance that suggests a deep inner world beneath the surface.

Why I chose this:
I chose this artwork because it resonates with my own inner thoughts and reflections. Its abstract beauty reminds me that not all meaning needs to be explicit; life’s subtle patterns and quiet emotions can be just as significant. The painting encourages me to pause, reflect, and find calm amidst the chaos of life. It inspires me to embrace introspection as a way to understand myself better and appreciate the quiet, often overlooked moments that shape who I am.

Reference:

National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (n.d.). Order of National Artists: Jose T. Joya. from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/national-artists-of-the-philippines/jose-joya/

used grammarly for grammar

Submitted By:

Garcia, Althea Nicole F.

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Artist: Agnes Arellano
Title: Carcass-Cornucopia
Year Created: 1987

About the work:
This sculpture depicts a reclining figure merging with a horn of plenty, embodying both strength and vulnerability. Its form balances beauty with a subtle sense of fragility, evoking reflection on the coexistence of abundance and impermanence. The work feels intimate, almost like a quiet meditation on human existence.

Why I chose this:
I chose this piece because it captures the delicate balance of life—the interplay of joy, abundance, and vulnerability. It makes me reflect on my own experiences, reminding me that moments of solitude and introspection are not signs of weakness but opportunities to understand myself better. The sculpture inspires me to embrace my vulnerabilities, to see beauty in fragility, and to appreciate the transient yet meaningful moments that shape our lives.

Reference:

Arellano, A. (1987). Myths of Creation and Destruction I [Sculpture]. Agnes Arellano. http://www.agnesarellano.com/works/myths-of-creation-and-destruction-1/

used grammarly for grammar checking

Submitted By:

Garcia, Althea Nicole F.

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Artist: Elmer Borlongan
Title: The Happiest Place On Earth
Year Created: 2017

About the Work:
Looking at Borlongan’s painting, I’m drawn into a busy, colorful scene full of people laughing, talking, and moving around. Yet, even in all that energy, I feel like an outsider. The figures seem alive and joyful, but there’s a quiet space between them that I can relate to. I notice small details—the way someone leans, gestures, or interacts—and it makes me reflect on how I often watch life unfold rather than fully participate in it. There’s a strange beauty in being on the edge, observing the rhythm of life without needing to join it.

Why I Chose It:
I chose this painting because it speaks to how I experience the world. Happiness is present everywhere, even if I feel it differently or quietly. Watching the scene makes me reflective, reminding me that being alone doesn’t mean missing out. There’s value in noticing, in feeling the world in my own way. Borlongan’s work captures that subtle balance between connection and distance, showing that even a lone observer can find meaning in life’s vibrant moments.

Reference:

Pinto Art Museum. (n.d.). Elmer Borlongan. Pinto Art Museum. Retrieved September 6, 2025, from https://pintoart.org/elmer-borlongan/

used grammarly for grammar checking

Submitted by:

Garcia, Althea Nicole F.

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Artist: Ibarra de la Rosa

Title: Lingayen Beach

Year Created: 1971

About this work:

An oil-on-canvas piece of art. Many of Ibarra's artworks involved trees, bushes, lotuses, flowers, and multicolored landscape. Lingayen Beach depicts a field of colorful flowers next to a beach with huts for people to relax at.

Why I chose it:

The contrast of it being titled Lingayen Beach with barely any beach is fun. The only reason you could call this a beach is because of the water and huts that take up less than 10% of the artwork. The focus is mainly on the flowers, showcasing the beauty of not the beach, but the flowers that come before it.

Reference:

Lingayen Beach by Ibarra de la Rosa on artnet. (n.d.). https://www.artnet.com/artists/ibarra-de-la-rosa/lingayen-beach-QDRT9JOktVFKA6xcuvKRxA2

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Pow Martinez, "Affluenza", 2021, Oil on canvas

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1st Filipino Art (Cruz, Julienne Reign G.)

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1st Filipino Art (Cruz, Julienne Reign G.)

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Pow Martinez, a notable Filipino contemporary artist in this century, has one of my favorite pieces which is this neo-expressionistic work that you see. Its title actually gives you a lot of context as to what the painting means. Its title is a sarcastic play on words of the word "affluence" meaning rich; well-off, and "influence" pertaining to influencers in media, and "influenza" as in the common virus, which basically encapsulates everything you need to note about this meaningful and chaotic painting. It tells you about the privilege that people have (especially the influencers) in desperate times, like how the year this was painted which is 2021, which is a year just after the pandemic. Very figurative and fun painting since there's so much to make meaning of!

Reference: Silverlens Galleries. (n.d.). Pow Martinez.

https://www.silverlensgalleries.com/artists/pow-martinez

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Gustave Courbet — The Desperate Man, 1844-1845

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About the Artwork:

This self-portrait depicts Courbet with wide eyes and clenched hair, radiating raw intensity and existential anxiety. Painted in his youth, it breaks from academic tradition by emphasizing emotion over idealization. The work has been interpreted as Courbet’s declaration of artistic defiance and his deeply personal vision.

Why I chose this:

The moment I saw Courbet’s raw self-portrait, his wide-eyed expression immediately stirred a sense of frantic energy in me. It radiates raw passion and vulnerability, as he reveals himself with a startling honesty. The extreme gesture — hands gripping his hair and leaning forward — embodies what it means to pour oneself completely into art. This is more than just a likeness; it is Courbet allowing us to see his inner turmoil behind the canvas. When I compare this to the calmer works I chose, the contrast reveals the darkness I also acknowledge in myself and the wide range of artistic expression that speaks to me.

Reference:

Courbet, G. (1844–1845). The Desperate Man. Private Collection.

(AI tools such as ChatGPT were used for research assistance and grammar refinement.)

Submitted by: Bianca Areni T. Naranja

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About the Artwork:

A surrealist painting portraying a man in a suit and bowler hat with his face obscured by a hovering green apple. The work questions identity, perception, and the unseen aspects of humanity. It plays with the balance between visible reality and hidden truth, making it one of Magritte’s most famous and enigmatic pieces.

Why I chose this:

This painting connects strongly with my ideas of identity, mystery, and self-expression. The hidden face suggests the existence of a person whose identity remains concealed, turning the figure into a riddle. It represents the idea of not being fully seen or understood, like someone who cannot be read openly. I find the work both playful and unsettling, as it balances humor with an air of secrecy. Magritte’s theme that “what is visible may not be the truth” resonates with me deeply. To me, it is a reminder that appearances often conceal reality, and that people only show the parts of themselves they want others to see.

Reference:

Magritte, R. (1964). The Son of Man. Private Collection.

(AI tools such as ChatGPT were used for research assistance and grammar refinement.)

Submitted by: Bianca Areni T. Naranja

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Francisco Goya — Saturn Devouring His Son, 1819-1823

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About the Artwork:

Part of Goya’s “Black Paintings,” this haunting image shows the mythological titan Saturn consuming one of his children. Painted directly onto the walls of his home, it reflects Goya’s disillusionment, fear, and obsession with mortality. Its raw, grotesque depiction makes it a landmark of psychological horror in art history.

Why I chose this:

What I see in this work is both horror and vulnerability. Goya’s directness in showing human darkness relates to my own artistic drive because it stirs my curiosity and pushes me to search for deeper meaning. The image is dark and unsettling, yet that is what makes it so powerful. Saturn’s act can be interpreted purely as mythological, but also symbolically, as a reflection of political and social cycles of violence where the powerful consume those beneath them. This duality makes the painting more than its materials — it becomes an inquiry into the human condition. Choosing this piece gives me the chance to probe further into how art embodies fear, power, and truth.

Reference:

Goya, F. (1819–1823). Saturn Devouring His Son. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.

(AI tools such as ChatGPT were used for research assistance and grammar refinement.)

Submitted by: Bianca Areni T. Naranja

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About the Artwork:

This abstract expressionist painting is a key work in Philippine modernism. Using bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and textured surfaces, Joya conveys rhythm and motion. The work reflects post-war dynamism and the Philippines’ growing engagement with global art movements, while still grounded in local sensibilities.

Why I chose this:

I interpret abstraction primarily through color. To me, darker tones often suggest more positive emotions from the artist, while brighter tones reflect a heavier state of mind. In this work, the vivid use of yellow gives me the impression that Joya painted with a sense of happiness and eagerness, yet the underlying chaos of the composition speaks to me differently. It reveals how some artists use abstraction as an outlet for struggles with identity and self-expression. I also admire how Joya’s effort to situate Philippine art in a global conversation while maintaining its individuality shows courage and trust in the cultural value of Filipino creativity.

Reference:

Joya, J. (1958). Granadean Arabesque. National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila.

(AI tools such as ChatGPT were used for research assistance and grammar refinement.)

Submitted by: Bianca Areni T. Naranja

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About the Artwork:

Sabel is Benedicto’s iconic muse, inspired by a real woman he once saw scavenging in Manila. Wrapped in scraps of cloth, she became a recurring figure in his works, symbolizing resilience, struggle, and dignity amid poverty. Sabel reflects both social commentary and personal interpretation, cementing BenCab as a master of Philippine contemporary art. The 2014 portrayal presents Sabel enveloped in flowing cloth against a deep red backdrop, marrying vibrant visual drama with the enduring symbolism of human dignity amid hardship

Why I chose this:

Seeing Sabel fully clothed and tangled in fabric gives the impression that she is embodying both despair and resilience. She is a picture of beauty captured by a remarkable artist, and she connects with my own way of using the human figure as a vessel for larger social issues. As a fan of political caricatures that rely heavily on symbols, this artwork leaves me speechless. The subject resonates with me politically and artistically, reflecting my own goals of expressionism and how art can speak about society beyond what is visibly shown.

Reference:

Cabrera, B. (2014). Sabel. Private Collection.

(AI tools such as ChatGPT were used for research assistance and grammar refinement.)

Submitted by: Bianca Areni T. Naranja

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About the Artwork:

Manuel Baldemor’s Nipa Hut (1980) is an oil-on-canvas painting that portrays the traditional Filipino dwelling known as the bahay kubo. Executed in his distinctive folk-modernist style, the work reduces forms into simplified geometric patterns and emphasizes vibrant cultural imagery. The nipa hut, often associated with rural life, community, and simplicity, serves as a symbol of Filipino identity and heritage. Baldemor’s treatment of the subject reflects both nostalgia for traditional ways of living and a celebration of national culture.

Why I chose this:

A Nipa Hut is an iconic Filipino trademark, once a common home for Filipino families. Although we rarely see it today, those living near the ocean or in rural farmlands still keep this tradition alive. The painting captures the essence of home and evokes nostalgia, reminding me of the warmth of a bahay-kubo where families found shelter and togetherness. As someone who gravitates toward darker artworks, this piece softens something in me, highlighting a cultural truth: that Filipinos have one ultimate priority in life — to provide for their families and give them the love and completeness they deserve. Baldemor’s stylization also resonates with my artistic style, especially in the way he painted the scenery behind the family. The soft, muted tones glide gently as if following the brush’s instinct to blend colors.

Reference:

Baldemor, M. (1980). Nipa Hut. Philippines: Private Collection.

(AI tools such as ChatGPT were used for research assistance and grammar refinement.)

Submitted by: Bianca Areni T. Naranja

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Local Artwork #3

Artist: Vicente Manansala

Title: Market Vendors

Year Created: 1949

About the work:

It is an oil painting which uses cubism style to show the Filipino culture and tradition through local market vendors around the place selling different items.

Why I chose it:

Growing up I would go with my grandmother to shop at our local market, and I would watch her buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and there are these people who calls her “suki”. This painting does not only show our culture as Filipino’s but at the same time it is a space where people connect and share stories with one another. In order to provide for their families, each vendor in the marketplace spends long hours of work whether it rains or shines.

Market Vendors, 1949 - Vicente Manansala - WikiArt.org. (n.d.). www.wikiart.org. https://www.wikiart.org/en/vicente-manansala/market-vendors-1949

Submitted by: Eliana Rae O. De Guia

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Local Artwork #2

Artist: Fernando Amorsolo

Title: Planting Rice

Year Created: 1921

About the work:

It is an oil painting that is set in a wet rice field where there are groups of Filipino people planting rice.

Why I chose it:

In the painting, there are different people working together to plant rice. I chose this work because it speaks about the bayanihan culture of us Filipino’s. I think this trait is very observable among us because we have a strong sense of community which allows us to be resilient in difficult times. One common example is when it floods in our country, many of us extend help to those who are affected. I think this is one of our good characteristics as a Filipino, we help one another to face challenges, stand up, and begin again.

CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art | CCP Encylopedia of Philippine Art. (n.d.). CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art. https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2272/

Submitted by: Eliana Rae O. De Guia

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Local Artwork #1

Artist: Fernando Amorsolo

Title: Hopes in the Ruins of Manila

Year Created: 1945

About the work:

Fernando Amorsolo represented World War II as he witnessed it. Where there were over 10,000 civilians who died and the city was left in ruins.

Why I chose it:

The painting is showing a mother feeding her child and at her back there were civilians who died during the war. This painting speaks about a mother who is very selfless and is willing to do anything for her child. Amidst the ruins, she prioritized the needs of her child, and I think this goes to all the mothers. Even though how much life can get tough, a mother does everything she can to put the needs of her child first.

01 Work, The Art of War, Fernando Cueto Amorsolo’s Hope in the Ruins of Manila, with footnotes. (2023, November 24). Zaidan Gallery. https://zaidan.blog/2023/11/24/01-work-the-art-of-war-fernando-cueto-amorsolos-hope-in-the-ruins-of-manila-with-footnotes/

Submitted by: Eliana Rae O. De Guia

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Foreign Artwork #1

Artist: Claude Monet

Title: The Water Lily Pond

Year Created: 1899

About the work:

In the 1980’s Monet purchased a property in Giverny which had an amazing garden designed by the artist and its Water Lily Pond. He planted the water lilies for fun and never intended it to be the subject of his painting, but then as they grew he saw the beauty in them and it became his model.

Why I chose it:

Aside from how appealing it is, the calmness of the painting captured my eye. It speaks about finding peace in the simplest ways and slowing down and being still like the water in the pond. Sometimes we forget to take a pause from all the happenings in our life and we might feel overwhelmed, this painting serves a reminder that sometimes we need to slow down and take things in. It also reminds me that finding peace doesn’t have to be grand, and most of the time it is the beauty that what we observe in our everyday lives.

The Water Lily Pond, 1899 by Claude Monet. (n.d.). Claude Monet. https://www.claude-monet.com/the-water-lily-pond.jsp

Submitted by: Eliana Rae O. De Guia

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Foreign Artwork #3

Artist: Takashi Murakami

Title: Flowers in Heaven

Year Created: 2010

About the work:

The artwork showcases cartoon-like flowers in different sizes with a cheerful expression along with its bright and energetic colors.

Why I chose it:

At first I saw his artworks printed in a luxury brand bag, and I at first I find it childish but then it left an impression on me and it had a joyful aura. I chose this painting by Takashi Murakami because it radiated a positive energy, the flowers were all in bloom with bright colors and joyful faces, just by looking at it I also find myself smiling.

Takashi Murakami, Kaikai Kiki | Flowers in Heaven (2010). Artsy. (n.d.). https://www.artsy.net/artwork/takashi-murakami-flowers-in-heaven-50

Submitted by: Eliana Rae O. De Guia

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Foreign Artwork #2

Artist: Cassius Marcellus Coolidge

Title: A Friend in Need

Year Created: 1903

About the work:

The painting is from a series “Dogs Playing Poker”. This shows a group of dogs around the table playing poker, while the bulldog slips an ace card under the table to give it to his friend for him to have four aces.

Why I chose it:

I chose this painting because I find it entertaining, but as I reflect on it I realized the message. The artwork shows a group of friends who was playing poker and the other dog secretly passed an ace under the table to his friend, for me this shows that whenever our friends are in a risky situation we are ready to help them with whatever we can, sometimes even it requires breaking some rules.

A Friend in Need 1903 C.M.Coolidge.jpg - Wikimedia Commons. (n.d.).https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Friend_in_Need_1903_C.M.Coolidge.jpg

Submitted by: Eliana Rae O. De Guia

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Foreign Artwork #1

Artist: Claude Monet

Title: The Water Lily Pond

Year Created: 1899

About the work:

In the 1980’s Monet purchased a property in Giverny which had an amazing garden designed by the artist and its Water Lily Pond. He planted the water lilies for fun and never intended it to be the subject of his painting, but then as they grew he saw the beauty in them and it became his model.

Why I chose it:

Aside from how appealing it is, the calmness of the painting captured my eye. It speaks about finding peace in the simplest ways and slowing down and being still like the water in the pond. Sometimes we forget to take a pause from all the happenings in our life and we might feel overwhelmed, this painting serves a reminder that sometimes we need to slow down and take things in. It also reminds me that finding peace doesn’t have to be grand, and most of the time it is the beauty that what we observe in our everyday lives.

The Water Lily Pond, 1899 by Claude Monet. (n.d.). Claude Monet. https://www.claude-monet.com/the-water-lily-pond.jsp

Submitted by: Eliana Rae O. De Guia

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1. Artist: Jacques - Louis David

Title:Napoleon Crossing the alps

Year: 1801

About the work: Napoleon led his army to invade the northern part of Italy for the Battle of Marengo in 1800. Napoleon faced disadvantages when it came to numbers of soldiers, but he still managed to win the war with the help of the reinforcement of France. After the battle, he commissioned Jacques-Louis David to make a painting for his victory over Italy. According to Iain Zaczek, Napoleon is the one who chose the scene and asked the artist to make him look calm while mounted on a fiery steed. The idea of Napoleon is to show that he is calm no matter how hard the battle he faced. In the painting, Napoleon also looks proud after conquering Italy. David made him look victorious in his pose, showing how confident Napoleon is that he can dominate every country he wants to defeat.

Why did I choose this work: I chose this work because it shows the power of trusting yourself when facing impossible circumstances. If Napoleon can conquer lands with just a little number of men, I can also achieve my goals by just trusting my own worth. This artwork by David gave me the idea of being confident. I need to trust the things that I can do, no matter how hard the obstacles are. I can also relate this artwork to my graduation picture. My graduation picture shows how calm and confident I look after facing difficult times. Just like Napoleon, I faced the battle with just a few people believing that I can make it through. But I also trust myself, I believe that I can make it to the graduation’s stage and soon be victorious.

Reference: Zaczek, I. (2023, April 6). Napoleon crossing the Alps. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/Napoleon-Crossing-the-Alps

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Artists: Adrian Smith, Marshall Strabala and George J. Efstathiou

Title: Burj Khalifa

Year: 2004

About the work: The Burj Khalifa is the tallest skyscraper in the world, standing at 2,717 feet with 828 floors. It is located in Dubai, UAE, beside the Dubai Mall. Burj Khalifa is made to show the modernization of the UAE. The country wants to show how they succeed from a deserted country with no establishments to a country with modernized buildings, housings, and malls. They were once a poor country but used their natural oils for investments, Burj Khalifa is only one of the results of the investments of UAE. The skyscraper is not only for show, it can house guests, it has its own hospital inside and a commercial floor. They are using the whole building for the needs of the citizens.

Why did I choose this work: This structural work is useful for the tourism of Dubai. It is near the Dubai mall which is a public place so more tourists came to Dubai mall to capture this building. The Burj Khalifa also has a high tech light system that can change to whatever the event is. For example, the lights of the building changed to our flag’s color during the “National Heroes Day” of the Philippines. It is one of my favourite architectural works because I get to see it in person during the new year’s countdown. The whole Burj Khalifa counts down from ten to welcome 2023.

Reference: Burj khalifa. (2010, January 6). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Burj-KhaLlifa

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Artist: Slipknot

Title: The Gray Chapter

Year: 2014

About the work: This is an album cover for the band Slipknot. Slipknot is a Nu metal band who originated from Iowa, USA. The album cover is made to commemorate their fallen band member, Paul Gray. Paul is the bassist of the band and also co-founded the band in 1999. He helped the band to write their famous songs in the early years of Slipknot. Paul helped to write “Wait and Bleed”, “People=Sh*t”, and “Duality”. According to fans, he is the soul of the band since he is one of the main song writers. He died from a drug overdose in 2010. His death shocked the whole nu metal community including his band mates, for once, his band unmasked during a conference to announce his death. The album shows the skeleton figure to highlight death and the haunting presence of losing someone.

Why did I choose this art: I chose this specific album cover from slipknot because it shows how the band cares for their fallen bandmate. Slipknot may look bad for others but the songs they produce have a lot of deep meanings. Most of their songs contain a message for people who are suffering from mental health disabilities like depression, anxiety and PTSD. This specific album has my favourite songs from the band titled “The Devil in I”. It is about moving on from mourning and inner struggles. This song helped me to go through my emotions because I can relate to what the song said. The struggle between myself and my inner self, the song said, I need to “kill” my inner demons so that I can have a peace of mind.

Reference: McDonald, W. (2025, August 15). Slipknot. Encyclopedia Britannica.   https://www.britannica.com/topic/Slipknot-band

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Artist: Vicente Manansala

Title: Luksong Tinik

Year created: 1973

About the work: This art by Vicente Manansala titled “Luksong Tinik” shows the kids from a small town in the Philippines having fun. Vicente focused on showing rural scenes in his art. Like the Luksong Tinik, it shows how the Filipinos can still enjoy themselves even though they are suffering from poverty. He used cubist elements,dynamic composition, and expressive color to capture the energy of his art.

Why did I choose this art: For me, this artwork by Vicente Manansala is more than just a painting. For me,it feels like my own journey in college.I see in it the way I endure struggles as a student and still manage to move forward. The children in his art are smiling and playing despite whatever struggles are surrounding them, reminding me of how we can choose to show joy even in difficult times. It shows that life is simpler and full of happiness, no matter how heavy the weight you're carrying behind your back. You need to still allow moments of laughter to break free from those hard moments. His use of ordinary subjects like children’s games like luksong tinik speaks about resilience and the simple strength of everyday life in the Philippines.

Reference:Lin, M. Y. Vicente Silva Manansala (The Philippines 1910-1981) , luksong-tinik (Jumping over thorns) | Christie's. Christie’s | Fine Art, Luxury & Antiques | Auctions & Private Sales. https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5452577

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Artist: Vicente Manansala

title: Madonna of the Slums

Year: 1950

About the work: This art by Manansala showed the post war situation in the Philippines, according to the Abcott Institute. Like the usual art of Manansala, it also has the style of cubism. The main focus of his art shows a mother holding her baby in front of the slums. With the speculations of Abcott institute, the slums are based on the streets of Manila. He shows how compacted the houses are, showing that it is overly populated even in the 1950s.

Why did I choose this art: I chose this artwork by Manansala because of how he gave focus to a subject and added additional information on the background. In this case, the main focus is the poor mother and her baby, with the background of urban houses in the slums. I am intrigued by this art because I can see how poor the slums are here in Manila up to this day. A lot of presidents have passed but the issue with poverty has not been fulfilled yet. I can understand that it was hard back then since it is the post war. Today, we have a lot of funds that are going to the politicians pockets, not in the poor’s food bowl.

Reference: Cultural Center of the Philippines. CCP Encylopedia of Philippine art. CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art. https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2222/

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Artist: Eduardo Castrillo

Title: Bonifacio and the Katipunan Revolution Monument

Year Created: 1998

About the work: the KKK or Kataas-taasang, kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan monument in manila was honoured for the katipunan warriors who fought the Spanish force during Spanish colonisation in the Philippines. Eduardo Castrillo made the sculpture  in 1998 to commemorate the katipuneros who gave their life for the country. It is a solemn piece of sculpture that can be seen in the heart of Manila .

Why did I choose this art: I chose this sculpture because it is one of the art that I often see when I am going to SM Manila.There are also countless people who are passing this art without knowing the background of it. As a Manileño, I am proud to see the monument of the KKK with Andres Bonifacio leading the revolution. This art also gave me the spirit of fighting for my goal, like how Bonifacio fought for the freedom of our country.

Reference: DCY. (2021, December 1). Glimpses: The Bonifacio shrine in Manila in the eyes of today's youth. Eagle News. https://www.eaglenews.ph/glimpses-the-bonifacio-shrine-in-manila-in-the-eyes-of-todays-youth/

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Artist: Eduardo Castrillo

Title: Bonifacio and the Katipunan Revolution Monument

Year Created: 1998

About the work: the KKK or Kataas-taasang, kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan monument in manila was honoured for the katipunan warriors who fought the Spanish force during Spanish colonisation in the Philippines. Eduardo Castrillo made the sculpture  in 1998 to commemorate the katipuneros who gave their life for the country. It is a solemn piece of sculpture that can be seen in the heart of Manila .

Why did I choose this art: I chose this sculpture because it is one of the art that I often see when I am going to SM Manila.There are also countless people who are passing this art without knowing the background of it. As a Manileño, I am proud to see the monument of the KKK with Andres Bonifacio leading the revolution. This art also gave me the spirit of fighting for my goal, like how Bonifacio fought for the freedom of our country.

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Artist: Vicente Manansala

Title: Luksong Tinik

Year created: 1973

About the work: This art by Vicente Manansala titled “Luksong Tinik” shows the kids from a small town in the Philippines having fun. Vicente focused on showing rural scenes in his art. Like the Luksong Tinik, it shows how the Filipinos can still enjoy themselves even though they are suffering from poverty. He used cubist elements,dynamic composition, and expressive color to capture the energy of his art.

Why did I choose this art: For me, this artwork by Vicente Manansala is more than just a painting. For me,it feels like my own journey in college.I see in it the way I endure struggles as a student and still manage to move forward. The children in his art are smiling and playing despite whatever struggles are surrounding them, reminding me of how we can choose to show joy even in difficult times. It shows that life is simpler and full of happiness, no matter how heavy the weight you're carrying behind your back. You need to still allow moments of laughter to break free from those hard moments. His use of ordinary subjects like children’s games like luksong tinik speaks about resilience and the simple strength of everyday life in the Philippines.

Reference:Lin, M. Y. Vicente Silva Manansala (The Philippines 1910-1981) , luksong-tinik (Jumping over thorns) | Christie’s | Fine Art, Luxury & Antiques | Auctions & Private Sales.

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"Picasso painted Les Demoiselles d'Avignon in 1907, three years before Manansala was born. It took another thirty-nine years before Manansala had a meaningful encounter with the revolutionary style. Cubism then became the generating force of Manansala's mature works, the stylistic center of his main oeuvres. It was not a master-follower relationship - it was more like extending the premises of a tradition. Cubism did not curtail the dimension of Manansala's vision. He enriched the style and gave it a new context. Above all, he gave it a new sense of place."
- Rodolfo Paras-Perez, Manansala, Manila, 1980, p. 75

Vicente Manansala is a significant name within the modernist movement in the Philippines. Growing up in the wake of the prevalent romantic realist genre, Manansala was twelve years old when Fernando Amorsolo, then the acknowledged leading painter of the Spanish school, first developed his iconic pastoral landscapes bathed in effervescent tropical light - rice planting, women in the fields, couples dancing, village festivities. Struggling to articulate an independent artistic identity for the 20th century, these were all deemed quintessentially Filipino by the art community of the period, who were justifiably proud of the developments in achieving a distinguishable, nationalistic pictorial vocabulary. However this was just the beginning. Soon enough Manansala and his peers were to rise to the fore in what eventually became the Philippines' impactful breakthrough towards modernism and the shattering of the rigidly structured compositional plane.

As a young art student, Manansala too adopted the vocabulary of genre scenes, painting rice fields and beautiful peasant girls. He soon discovered though that bucolic village images were less important to him than artistic texture and the interplay of colours and structure. Like the Western cubist painters, he became fascinated with how geometric shapes could cohere to develop a recognisable image, maintaining more expressionistic integrity than rendered by a purely realistic technique. Manansala only retained realism in straightforward portraiture; his other works were soon to bear the hallmarks of Picasso, Braque, Gris, and Léger. In 1950, he was awarded a bursary by the French legation and spent a period at Léger's atelier, learning from the master himself. Eventually, after developing the artistic confidence which his later works bear witness to, he abandoned their influences for most part and devoted himself to developing his own cubist methodologies which permitted the flexibility and freedom to articulate a truly Filipino context. In his own words, Manansala affirmed: "When I say I am a cubist, I mean that I have taken Cubism's basic elements, reorganized them and added my own, creating my own style." (ibid, p. 51)

This present work of 1973 depicts children engaging in the familiar Filipino game of 'luksong tinik' where the youthful participants use their hands to form a spine of thorns over which another child has to leap. The dynamism and energy of this work rivals the romantic compositions of Manansala's Spanish-trained predecessors, however it displays none of their established devices in describing (and idealising) a recognisably Filipino scene. Lucid and expressive, yet predominantly modernist in visual elocution, Manansala's use of a cubist background which isolates the figures in movement, judicious allocation of empty pictorial space, and blocks of gradient colour heralded a new dawn for the evolution of Filipino art.

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VICENTE SILVA MANANSALA (The Philippines 1910-1981)

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"Picasso painted Les Demoiselles d'Avignon in 1907, three years before Manansala was born. It took another thirty-nine years before Manansala had a meaningful encounter with the revolutionary style. Cubism then became the generating force of Manansala's mature works, the stylistic center of his main oeuvres.

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Artist: Andy Warhol

Title: Birth of Venus

Year: 1928-1987

About the work: The work is created with the We Love Airbox, and the artist of this art is Andy Warhol. It speaks of femininity and strength.

Why I choose it:

I chose this artwork because I can see beauty and strength through the art itself, and the vibrant colors and flowing lines of it. For me, this art speaks the loudest for the importance of womanhood and natural beauty.

Reference:

We Love Art. (2022). The 10 most famous artists of all time, according to the We Love Art community. Andy Warhol. https://www.weloveart.com/the-10-most-famous-artists-of-all-time/?srsltid=AfmBOoo77qbuWwzgIBPDStPeZYq1nadaoeTZCDaTyVyp8zUq4svoUgOU

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Artist: Salvador Dali

Title: The Persistence of Memory

Year: 1904-1998

About the work: The art was created by Salvador Dali and it shows details about clock being Malleable or Flexible.

Why I choose it:

I chose this because it reflects the way I see myself and my goals, as shown and illustrated the clocks melt away and reality becomes broken or distorted. And same goes with my experience in life, that as time goes by time, memory, and our existence can be fragile and uncertain. This art has its own way of revealing its context and the concept others see.

Reference:

We Love Art. (2022). The 10 most famous artists of all time, according to the We Love Art community. Salvador Dali. https://www.weloveart.com/the-10-most-famous-artists-of-all-time/?srsltid=AfmBOoo77qbuWwzgIBPDStPeZYq1nadaoeTZCDaTyVyp8zUq4svoUgOU

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Artist: Claude Monet

Title: San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk

Year: 1908-1912

About the work: The arts’ medium is oil painting and the colors shows

Why I choose it:

I chose this art because I love sunrises and sunsets, and the artwork showcases the hues of the sun. This illustrates peace in the reflection of the sky and sun on the sea, and it’s a beautiful reminder of goodness that God have created in our world.

Reference:

We Love Art. (2022). The 10 most famous artists of all time, according to the We Love Art community. Claude Monet. https://www.weloveart.com/the-10-most-famous-artists-of-all-time/?srsltid=AfmBOoo77qbuWwzgIBPDStPeZYq1nadaoeTZCDaTyVyp8zUq4svoUgOU

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Artist: Fernand Amorsolo

Title: Luksong Tinik

Year: 1959

About the work: This art is an oil on canvas and was on sale last February 2020 in Mutual Art. It illustrates the popular pinoy game called Lukson Tinik, played by the kids in their humble homes.

Why I choose it:

I chose this art because it makes me reminisce and feel again the emotions of excitement and fun I felt when I was still a kid playing this kind of pinoy games. It has shown humbleness and simplicity when everything was still about being in the present and playing with whatever you have and whoever you’re with. This art somehow speaks to my heart, maybe because I was once like these kids, too.

Reference:

Mutual Art. (2020). Luksong Tinik (1959) - Fernando Amorsolo. https://share.google/PlPqbcS306MeyTDgF

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Artist: Vicente Manansala

Title: Candle Vendors

Year:1976

About the work: The art illustrates layered and geometric planes that shows simplicity of candle vendors.

Why I choose it:

I chose this art because it reflects Filipino vendors hustling in the streets, particularly at cemeteries. Because behind these vendors are women of courage who show up even when they are also experiencing fear and pain. For instance, when November 1st comes, a day to commemorate the souls of their loved ones, instead of taking a day to pray for those souls, they are out in the streets selling for other people’s visits to their loved ones. And the illustrated candles show respect to both those who are still living on this earth and those who have already departed from this world.

Reference:

WikiArt Visual Art Encyclopedia. (2013). Candle Vendors. https://www.wikiart.org/en/vicente-manansala/candle-vendors-1976

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Artist: Charlie Val

Title: Vendor

Year: 2023

About the work: The art shows a mother’s love and strength despite challenges life throw to them and these shows in the details of the artwork such as using oil on canvas, an earthy hue, and micro-cube patterns.

Why I choose it:

I chose this art because it shows strength, the strength of a woman in her motherhood, who chooses to strive and work hard despite the struggles and challenges that life throws at her. The art itself conveys that she may not have had everything she wanted, but she had everything she needed to live. And despite juggling the weights of her child, baskets of fruits and vegetables, and the problems suffocating within her, there is still beauty and resilience in the lively colors illustrated.

Reference:

Nami Art Gallery. (n.d.). Vendor. https://www.namiart-gallery.com/products/vendor-2?srsltid=AfmBOoppfrzDw5bB7ncQmfhJp8D0cwUFzgXbp8_Pp_AZGeVedq8LZPiy

Jessica Mae B. Tagnipez

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Name of the Artist: Pablo Picasso

Title: Guernica

Year Created: 1937

Description: A large black-and-white mural depicting the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.

Why I chose it: I chose this artwork because it is a strong statement against war and violence. The black-and-white style makes the suffering and pain more real. The painting reminds me that art is not only for beauty but also for fighting for peace and justice.

REFERENCE:

https://smarthistory.org/picasso-guernica/

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Name of the Artist: Johannes Vermeer

Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring

Year Created: 1665

Description: Often called the “Mona Lisa of the North,” this portrait shows a girl wearing an exotic dress and a striking pearl earring.

Why I chose it: I chose this artwork because it shows mystery and simplicity in a very quiet way. The girl’s expression and the pearl earring make the painting unforgettable. It reminds me that beauty can be shown without being grand or complicated.

REFERENCE:

https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/our-collection/artworks/670-girl-with-a-pearl-earring

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Name of the Artist: Sandro Botticelli

Title: The Birth of Venus

Year Created: 1486

Description: A Renaissance painting of Venus, the goddess of love, emerging from the sea on a shell.

Why I chose it: I chose this artwork because it is a timeless symbol of beauty and love. It shows grace and elegance, which makes it one of the most celebrated works of the Renaissance. The painting reminds me that art can capture ideals that stay meaningful through generations.

REFERENCE:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Birth-of-Venus

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Name of the Artist: Victorio Edades

Title: The Builders

Year Created: 1928

Description: A modernist painting showing construction workers, emphasizing strength and progress.

Why I chose it: I chose this artwork because it shows the hard work and strength of Filipino laborers who help build the nation. It is different from traditional art styles, which makes it stand out and feel more modern. The painting reminds me to value the efforts of workers who often go unnoticed but play a big role in the country’s progress.

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Name of the Artist: Vicente Manansala

Title: Madonna of the Slums

Year Created: 1950

Description: A painting of a mother and child in an urban poor setting, highlighting poverty after World War II.

Why I chose it: I chose this artwork because it shows the real struggle of mothers and children after World War II. It is powerful and easy to relate to since poverty is still a problem in the Philippines today. The painting reminds me to care for others, be aware of social issues, and see how art can give a voice to people who are often not heard.

REFERENCE:

https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2222/

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Name of the Artist: Carlos “Botong” Francisco

Title: Bayanihan

Year Created: 1959

Description: A mural that portrays the Filipino tradition of bayanihan, where neighbors help carry a house to a new location.

Why I chose it: I chose this artwork because it shows the spirit of unity and helping one another. It reminds me that Filipinos work together in times of need without expecting anything in return. The painting teaches the value of cooperation and kindness, which are still important today.

REFERENCE: https://philstarlife.com/geeky/660360-heroic-dna-botong-bayani-bayanihan?page=3

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Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Title: Medusa
Year: circa 1638-1648

About this work:
This work is a sculpture of medusa's head frowning, the sculptor made the work from marble.

Why I chose this work:
I chose this work because I found it interesting and ironic. The way that we are looking at a stone medusa even though her power is turning people into stone by looking at their eyes. I also found it alluring that the snakes on her head are displaying different emotions, at least for me that is.

reference:
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 25). Medusa (Bernini). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medusa_%28Bernini%29

Submitted By: Sean Alwynjim A. Petrache

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Artist: Michelangelo
Title: The Creation of Adam (a.k.a. Creation of Man)
Year: circa 1508-1512

About this work:
This work is illustrating the creation of humanity and that man is made in the image of God.

Why I chose this work:
I chose this work for its deep meaning behind the reach of Adam and the reach of God. Notice how the finger of Adam is not as extended as the finger of God? This tackles the choice of humanity whether to live with God or not, as well as the reminder that we have free will and a choice. This reflects to our choice if we are walking a path with God or we're not willing.

reference:
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, August 30). The creation of Adam. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Creation_of_Adam

Submitted By: Sean Alwynjim A. Petrache

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Artist: Edward Hopper
Title: Nighthawks
Year: 1942

About this work:
This shows the people at a bar that are just living their way of life, painted as silent as the quiet and lonely avenue.

Why I chose this work:
I chose this work to remind myself that some days is not always laughter and rainbows, there are days that just passes by without joy or sorrows. We have to accept that we need to continue our way of living even if we don't feel anything. I relate to this work for I myself have boring days and time seems to slow down.

references:
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, August 23). Nighthawks (Hopper). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nighthawks_(Hopper)

Submitted By; Sean Alwynjim A. Petrache

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Artist: Fernando Amorsolo
Title: Planting Rice
Year: 1921

About this work:
This depicts the life in the fields of the people, scraping by everyday with less than minimum wage as a salary.

Why I chose this:
I chose this art from him that represent the life of hardship in the fields and even though they are the foundation of agriculture. This just shows the unjust and imbalanced hierarchy of society that the farmers deserve more but they are treated like nobodies. The tax money that should go to them, it went to corrupt politicians, that's how unfair the system is.

references:
CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art | CCP Encylopedia of Philippine Art. (n.d.). CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art. https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2272/

Submitted By: Sean Alwynjim A. Petrache

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Artist: Jilson Tiu
Title: The Business of Christmas
Year: 2017

About this work:
This work shows the effort of a man working hard not only for himself but also for the people that needed to buy it for decorations.

Why I chose this work:
I chose this artwork as I admire the person working hard to make people happy while making a living. This was took on October and even though it's not yet Christmas, the spirit of "Bermonths" is already around. This just shows the Filipino dedication in celebrating and the love of festivals that gives life to the occasion.

references:
Tiu, J. (2017, April 4). The business of Christmas. Explore Parts Unknown. https://explorepartsunknown.com/manila/christmas/

Submitted By: Sean Alwynjim A. Petrache

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Artist: Michael Cacnio
Title: Family Time
Year: 2020

About the Work:
The Artist sculpted a family bonding time that captures the greatest moments of childhood and parenthood using the medium of brass.

Why I chose this:
I chose this specific artwork of his since it reminded me of the good old days of our childhood,  where we just had fun and bonded with my family free from worries and responsibilities before we grew up too fast. The way it is portrayed using brass really made it look like a golden moment that highlights memories that we can only remember not relive. I understood this as a reminder to live in the moment while it lasts, because you never know when the perfect moments are until they end.

references:
Family Time (2020). Galeria Lienzo. https://galerialienzo.com/collections/michael-cacnio/products/family-time

Submitted By: Sean Alwynjim A. Petrache

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Artist: Guido Reni

Title: The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian

Year Created: 1616

About the work:

This painting features Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr who was executed due to his faith in the 3rd century. He is depicted in a semi-nude portrait, highlighting his beautiful, youthful, and luminous body against a dark and gloomy background while being shot by arrows.

Why I chose it: (I used Quillbot for grammar check)

Despite its personal connection to me and my former senior high school, San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite, I chose this particular artwork due to its elegance and unique portrayal of St. Sebastian's martyrdom. Despite the arrows piercing through his body, he still maintains that soft gaze towards the Heaven, gloriously displaying his unwavering faith and spiritual fortitude with God even in the face of death and suffering. I am also amazed by how the light and shadows were masterfully used in highlighting the purity of the subject.

Reference:

The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian (1616) by Guido Reni. (2024). www.artchive.com. https://www.artchive.com/artwork/the-martyrdom-of-saint-sebastian-guido-reni-1616/

Submitted by: Seth Asher F. Medino

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Artist: Alexandre Cabanel

Title: Fallen Angel

Year Created: 1847

About the work:

The painting centers on a figure of a muscular and beautiful male nude with large wings while covering his face while sitting on a rocky surface. This was a painting depicting the casting out of Lucifer from Heaven.

Why I chose it: (I used Quillbot for grammar check)

I chose this painting because of its ability to show the beauty of the Fallen, Lucifer, as he was not portrayed as a horrible and scary demon, but rather as a gorgeous and tragic angel. The style of this painting amuses me, as it was able to communicate thousands of emotions of Lucifer, specifically from the eyes, face, and body orientation, without saying a single word. It also captures the consequences of pride, arrogance, and rebellion of Lucifer against God, which resulted in him being cast out of the heavens. A beautiful representation of God's power and grace.

Reference:

Du Plessis, A. (2024, January 12). “Fallen Angel” by Alexandre Cabanel – famous painting of Lucifer. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/fallen-angel-by-alexandre-cabanel/

Submitted by: Seth Asher F. Medino

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Artist: Caspar David Friedrich

Title: The Wanderer Above The Sea Of Fog

Year Created: c. 1818

About the work:

An oil painting by a German Romantic artist named Caspar David Friedrich that depicts a solitary man seen from behind standing on a rocky cliff. It features a vast landscape of mountains and forests that is covered by a thick sea of fog.

Why I chose it: (I used Quillbot for grammar check)

This artwork evokes a deep sense of solitude, awe, and a sense of accomplishment in me through its romantic movement in art. While the man is seen alone above the cliff, I project this image as a stance of contemplation and self-reflection on the long and strenuous journey of our lives. That no matter where we are, we all would reach our own peak at a certain point in time. Additionally, the soothing choice of palette never ceases to pique my interest in solitary materials.

Reference:

Du Plessis, A. (2023, September 30). “Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog” by Caspar David Friedrich. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/wanderer-above-the-sea-of-fog-by-caspar-david-friedrich/

Submitted by: Seth Asher F. Medino

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Artist: Juanito Torres

Title: Gathering of Heroes

Year Created: 2017

About the work:

This artwork brings together various Philippine national heroes and historical figures into a single frame and reimagined as a team of "superheroes" that are ready to defend the Philippines.

Why I chose it: (I used Quillbot for grammar check)

I chose this painting, as it shows nationalism and patriotism towards our country, the Philippines. It also serves as a movement of revolutionaries in today's era, as our national heroes are portrayed in modern heroism as "superheroes" that join together as one in a constant and ongoing effort of heroism towards the nation's welfare, growth, and unity. Additionally, this portrait serves as a tribute to the sacrifices of our late heroes at the time of colonization.

Reference:

PressReader.com - digital newspaper & magazine subscriptions. (n.d.). PressReader. https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20170529/282733406817446

Submitted by: Seth Asher F. Medino

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Artist: Susanito Sarnate

Title: Hatid-Sundo

Year Created: 2019, 2025

About the work:

The figurines were all made using terra cotta clay by a Negros Occidental artist named Susanito Sarnate. It displays various figurines on a daily basis of waiting for public transport while all doing their own personal things.

Why I chose it: (I used Quillbot for grammar check)

While I was visiting the National Museum of Fine Arts, I came across this display of terra cotta clay figures and was immediately hooked on the exhibit. The precision of this artwork was exemplary, as it captures the image of the diversity of every Filipino in public transport or a terminal. Various emotions, actions, and images are seen all throughout the exhibit, which makes me remember the word "sonder," which refers to my realization that every random passerby in my life lives a life as vivid and complex as my own.

Reference:

Photo was taken personally at the National Museum of Fine Arts at Manila.

Submitted by: Seth Asher F. Medino

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Artist: Félix Resurrección Hidalgo

Title: La Barca de Aqueronte(The Boat of Charon)

Year Created: 1887

About the work:

It is an oil painting inspired by the artist's reading of Dante's Inferno. This painting depicts the mythological ferryman Charon that guides the souls of the dead across the River Acheron towards the gates of hell.

Why I chose it: (I used Quillbot for grammar check)

I chose this because of the depth this painting has towards the afterlife. The nude figures at the left side of the painting show the expressions of fear, anguish, and despair, which are common, especially if we are in the face of death. It shows the fragility of humans in facing their eternal fate and the efforts to run from these situations. Additionally, the dramatic movement of the contrast of dark and light colors is notable and blends very well.

Reference:

Photo was taken personally at the National Museum of Fine Arts at Manila.

Submitted by: Seth Asher F. Medino

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Photographer: Hong Chen

Title: Sunset

Year Created: 2019

About the work: The photo was taken while Hong Chen's on a trip. He enjoyed beautiful sunsets and felt amazed to see wildlife. This work won first place at the International Photography Award.

Why I chose it: I chose this photo for a reason that I always loved watching the sunset ever since I was a child. I am mesmerized by how the sky slowly turns into a golden scenery. It gives me peace and assurance that everything will be fine, and we can always start again because it'll never be over. Maybe, this could be just the beginning of an end.

References: Chen, H. (2019). Sunset. International Photography Award. https://photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-214300-21

Submitted by: Jazmin Claire R. Verdadero