CURIOSITY CABINET by GENA LYN TUSI

KINTSUGI

genatusi1 — 2022-08-30 15:06:34 UTC

<> MEDIUM / MATERIAL / PROCESS
Gold pigments were used to reassemble the shattered pieces.

<> YEAR / ERA
It is believed that mending broken ceramics with gold has been a practice since the late 16th to early 17th centuries.

<> CULTURE OF ORIGIN
Japan is known for such a practice.

Kintsugi is a Japanese tradition that brings broken ceramics back to life—to serve their purpose again as bowls. As the reparation process implies, the name of such a tradition means "golden seams" or "golden repair".

Reference link:
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-centuries-old-japanese-tradition-mending-broken-ceramics-gold

BOLINAO SKULL

genatusi1 — 2022-08-30 15:06:42 UTC

<> MEDIUM / MATERIAL / PROCESS
The recovered remains are intriguing as the teeth have fish-scale-like decorations. Such an ornament was also made out of gold.

<> YEAR / ERA
The skulls were said to be found with those of recovered remains from the Early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644)

<> CULTURE OF ORIGIN
The only information available is that the skull was recovered in Pangasinan, Philippines.

From the picture, we can see that the gold "fish scale" ornaments are visible on the upper and lower incisors and canines.

Reference link:
https://filipiknow.net/archaeological-discoveries-in-the-philippines/

IMPYERNO SA LANGIT NILA

genatusi1 — 2022-08-30 15:06:48 UTC

<> MEDIUM / MATERIAL / PROCESS
"Impyerno sa Langit Nila" is an editorial cartoon that speaks a lot about social realities in the country.

<> YEAR MADE
Around 2018

<> NAME OF ARTIST
Luigi Almuena,
Ugatlahi UP Fine Arts Chairperson

<> CULTURE WHERE THIS OBJECT ORIGINATED
Oppressive social experiences in the Philippines amidst the War on Drugs

Looking at the cartoon, the first thing I saw was the gun as it was placed approximately at the center of the canvas. The placement of the subjects—Duterte and the Filipino mass—is similar to the famous "Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo. Apparently, the god in this cartoon is the previous president, and him pointing the gun against the Filipino mass is ironic. Contrary to the reference painting, the message being conveyed is "destruction" rather than creation. It is also interesting how cardboard was used as a background.

Reference links:
https://www.facebook.com/UGATLAHI/photos/impyerno-sa-langit-nila-by-ugatlahi-up-fine-arts-chairperson-luigi-almuena-the-p/10156811671612556/

https://www.noviceph.com/post/cartooning-sa-panahon-ng-diktadurya-shares-how-to-make-meaningful-cartoons

https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/most-famous-paintings/index.html

CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES

genatusi1 — 2022-08-30 15:06:53 UTC

<> MEDIUM / MATERIAL
Like any other building, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas), aka CCP, is made of concrete.

<> YEAR MADE
1966 / 1969

<> DESIGNER / ARTIST
Leandro V. Locsin,
National Artist for Architecture

The CCP is located in Pasay, Metro Manila. It is a venue where the arts in our country are usually showcased. The architectural design of this building is interesting. When viewed from the top, the CCP gives off a toilet bowl impression.

Reference links:
http://ranielyjana.blogspot.com/2016/09/cultural-center-of-philippines-ccp.html

https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/cultural-center-of-the-philippines-designed-by-architect-leandro-v-locsin-national-artist-for-architecture/XwERnEqh9ib2gA?hl=en

ITAK SA PUSO NI MANG JUAN

genatusi1 — 2022-08-30 15:06:59 UTC

<> MEDIUM / MATERIAL
Water color on paper

<> YEAR MADE
1978

<> NAME OF ARTIST
Antipas "Biboy" Delovato

<> CULTURE WHERE THIS OBJECT ORIGINATED
"Itak sa Puso ni Mang Juan" is one of the many artworks made by Delovato to reflect the cruel reality faced by ordinary Filipinos. The creation of such art, therefore, is heavily influenced by the existing social reality in the year 1970s.

The "itak" was implied by the typography of the well-known Coca-Cola brand. Shades of red can also be seen as blood as the dagger subtly pierces Mang Juan. Since Antipas Delovato conveys social reality through his art, we can infer that Coca-Cola symbolizes capitalism. Mang Juan, on the other hand, represents the ordinary Filipino. As capitalism flourishes, the increasing cost of living is becoming more and more of a burden that it hurts ordinary Filipinos.

Reference links:
https://globalvoices.org/2015/05/01/filipino-workers-lives-in-paintings-by-antipas-biboy-delotavo/

https://andthislullaby.wordpress.com/tag/itak-sa-puso-ni-mang-juan/