Rizal Legacies

This year saw the 150th birth anniversary of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, with the art community staging memorable events and exhibitions honoring his legacy. Indeed, in this new stage of nation-building, the country needs the guidance of his works and memory more than ever. Patriotism, pride in our country, and a belief that the Filipino can match up with the best of the world are things that Rizal has instilled in us as a people that remain relevant at the dawn of this new century. It is in this context that this year’s Rizal Day on December 30 becomes an even more solemn occasion—highlighting not only gratitude for the sacrifices he made, but faith that his teachings will lead our country towards a brighter future.

In recognition of his memory and building on his legacy, Galleria Nicolas is proud to hold an exhibition of works inspired by Rizal’s legacy. Featuring works from some of the finest contemporary artists in the country, the exhibition entitled “Rizal Legacies” Runs from December 26, 2011 through January 4, 2012. Galleria Nicolas may be contacted at (632) 728 0124 or by email atgallerianicolas@gmail.com. Their website is www.gallerianicolas.com.

It is the spirit of our National Hero that moves the hands of these painters—and allows them to showcase their exceptional talent. Amador Baraquilla uses the face of Dr. Rizal in contrast to a wave in the form of the national tricolours—perhaps drawing attention to the force of Rizal’s influence. Dexter Simsim shows how Rizal implicitly guided the 1896 revolution via his portrait above that of a revolutionary reading his “Noli Me Tangere”. Noted artist Jaypee Samson continues his distortions of form with his piece entitled “Bet ni Rizal,” a piece that shows the figure of a modern-day student which recalls Rizal’s poem “A La Juventud Filipina” and his persistent belief in the power of education—a theme that is followed up by Sam Penaso’s brilliant portrait of a student entitled “Batang Rizal.” Joey Simsim, on the other hand, takes the handwritten manuscript of Rizal powerful satire, “Noli Me Tangere,” and superimposes the hero’s image on it creating the dominant image of the author and the masterpiece being one and the same—and reinforcing the authority of the written word in effecting change. Aljo Pingol Renders his interpretation through his signature Chagall-inspired forms. Kirby Roxas does something similar, using his trademark geometric textures above Rizal’s mouth under the words “Noli Me Tangere”—commenting on the pervasive issue of censorship that we still grapple with 150 years after his birth.

Jomar Delluba uses Rizal’s identification with the bourgeoisie illustrado group by dressing him in the clothing of the modern-day middle-class Filipino: that of a chic polo shirt while Dominador Larroza plays with his characteristic use of symbolisms, metaphor, and surreal tropes by literally highlighting Rizal’s genius through his glowing head: which in retrospect may also act as an allusion to the near-sainthood status we’ve bestowed on him.

Definitely a show worth seeing, Rizal Legacies promises to be a honourable salute to our National Hero that can’t be missed.