Neil Vargas | Arts 1 [Critical Perspective in Arts] THR-5 Class
Posted on February 11, 2025
On September 26, 2024, I explored the Jorge B. Vargas Museum, the home of different paintings and cultural artifacts that represent the rich and vibrant history of the Philippines.
I don’t usually visit museums and art exhibits, not out of unappreciation but simply because I have considered such places reserved only for artists and art experts. For someone like me who considers himself non-artistic, I thought that the practice of analyzing paintings and examining cultural artifacts was not meant for me. However, in my Arts 1 class, my professor assigned an activity that necessitated me to pay a visit to the Vargas Museum. At first, I was reluctant to go, as I initially thought that my experience would end in failure. Little did I know that my reluctance would eventually result in a life-changing experience in the way I view art.
It was a cold Thursday morning when I chose to step out of my comfort zone and finally pay a visit. To make my experience better, I decided to go alone, as I thought that the presence of others (my friends) would make me distracted and feel pressured to match their pace. And I was right; it was a good decision to be just with myself, as it gave me a sense of freedom to calmly look at the paintings that resonated with me and reflect on what I saw without being bothered by how long I spent looking or being distracted by the presence of others. I fully immersed myself in the experience, in which, for a moment, there was nothing else that existed but just me and the artworks I saw.
As going to an art collection was somewhat foreign to me, there was a feeling of hesitation that crept into my mind. Upon entering the museum, I was surprised by how quiet and serene it was. It was as if the place was in another world, and I had nothing else to do but appreciate art. My hesitation turned into excitement as I felt that the paintings were calling me and waiting to be looked at.
While I was strolling through the museum, I was continuously amazed by how diverse and varied the collections were. Every wall and corner of the place was filled with the creativity and excellence of Filipinos. Each work seemed to have its own unique story waiting to be seen. Some portrayed the colorful lives Filipinos had before, some depicted the national struggle of our countrymen for independence, and some modern works reflect the contemporary issues our society faces. As I wandered through the three floors of the museum, I couldn’t help but be filled with astonishment and awe at the level of creativity and storytelling both past and present Filipino artists have to offer.
Past
One of the works that struck me the most was the Filipinas in Bondage, a sculpture made by the nationalist artist Guillermo Tolentino. It was not massive in size, but there was something in it that was loud enough to capture my attention. It depicts a woman who is in chains while looking struggling and in pain—all to symbolize the Philippines and its hard-fought battle towards freedom. While there were some who either intentionally or unintentionally got accustomed to the American customs, some Filipinos continued to have the burning desire for independence and for a Philippines that is truly for Filipinos. Such aspiration was represented in the sculpture through the unresigned look of the woman despite being chained, as a symbol of oppression. Maybe that was the reason why this painting caught my attention—it represents Filipinos’ enduring spirit for independence and resilience amidst the challenges they encounter.
Another highlight of my experience was the painting of Dominador Castañeda, the Ravaged Manila. This painting caught my attention—not because of its varied colors or its realistic features but because of the uncomfortable feeling I had while looking. It depicts a devastating picture of Manila at the time of war, more specifically during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The work has different symbolisms that can be interpreted differently depending on the viewer. Looking closely at the painting, none of the survivors have facial expressions, which may symbolize the dehumanization that happened during the war, where all of these people were disrupted from their daily lives and were reduced to mere numbers that could die any second during the war. Another symbolism I noticed was the juxtaposition between lying dead bodies on the ground and the living survivors; it is a clear depiction of how war works: others survive, while others don’t. The painting served not only as a documentation of an important part of our history but also as a reminder of the destructive and irreversible effects of conflict and war in our lives. The uncomfortable feeling I had upon looking at this painting was the wake-up call that shattered my comfortable life and reminded me that the comfort and safety I enjoy right now were paid for by countless lives in the past. Maybe the uncomfortable feeling I had upon looking at this painting was a reminder for me that there was a part of our history where there was no longer a distinction between life and death, as everyone was mentally, physically, and emotionally lifeless.
Another piece that caught my attention was the painting Reconstruction and Rehabilitation by Gregorio Sibug in 1943. It depicts Filipino workers rebuilding their houses after the aftermath of the war during the Japanese occupation. This work deeply resonated with me as it elicits feelings of hope and strength amid the various challenges Filipinos faced on their journey towards true independence. Despite the devastating effects brought by war, the painting represents our collective spirit to rise against all odds by coming together in solidarity and moving forward as a stronger and more resilient Philippines.
Present
More than a documentation of the past, art also has the power to represent the present—that is one of the things I have reflected upon during my visit to the Vargas Museum. The artworks I saw were not only a mirror of our history but also a depiction of what our current society looks like.
Balikbayan boxes—often filled with kitchenware, toys, and clothes—have been a deeply entrenched culture in the Philippine diaspora. The art installation of Alfredo Juan and Isabel Aquilizan titled Belonging In-Transit depicts transparent vessels (which represent balikbayan boxes) and are filled with different objects that Filipino migrant workers or Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) possess as they venture beyond the Philippine borders. However, those boxes do not simply contain everyday objects but also the experiences, dreams, and hopes of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as they search for better opportunities away from home. Upon reflection, I am reminded of the sacrifices of millions of Filipinos across the globe, separated from their loved ones and isolated from their homeland, all carrying pieces of their memories in the Philippines through these simple yet meaningful everyday objects.
Future
More than an avenue for creativity, art is also a way to represent the past while looking at the future. Each work serves as a bridge, connecting our history to the possibilities that lie ahead. For instance, Dominador Castañeda’s “Ravaged Manila” serves as an art that transcends time and enables the present generation to look at the past with wariness and cautiousness in order not to repeat the same history of war and destruction. The works I have seen were not only pieces made to retell our past but instead to serve as visionary tools to move forward. They remind us of the experiences and struggles of those who came before us, urging us to remember the chronicles of our past and the journey that brought us to where we are today. In retrospect, the works I saw in the Vargas Museum were not works only for admiration but for reflection and contemplation of our past in order to strive for a better tomorrow.
Looking back, who would have thought my initial reluctance to enter the then-unfamiliar place would lead me to a new way of seeing art? What started as a simple decision to enter the Vargas Museum for an activity became a profound journey for me to see art and creativity as transformative tools to look at the past, present, and future. Art is not just for artists or experts; it is a way for everyone to remember the past, engage in the present, and imagine the future.
Neil Anro Vargas is a first-year Bachelor of Elementary Education student who is passionate about writing stories and essays that may inspire others. Through pen and paper, he aims to share his experiences and reflections with the hope of expressing himself, connecting with others, and discussing current themes in Philippine society.