Art
Art
Art
He is considered one of the most prominent artists of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial
rule in the late 19th century. Luna received his formal art education at the Academia de Bellas Artes de
San Fernando in Madrid, Spain. He studied under several renowned Spanish artists and won numerous
awards for his paintings. In 1896, Luna joined the Katipunan, a revolutionary organization that sought to
overthrow Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. He designed the Katipunan flag and created
propaganda art to support the revolution. Luna's involvement in the revolution led to his exile from the
Philippines in 1897. He spent several years traveling around Europe and continued to paint during this
time. Some of his notable works during this period include "The Parisian Life," "The Death of Cleopatra,"
and "La Batalla de Lepanto." Luna returned to the Philippines in 1899, after the country gained
independence from Spain, and continued to paint until his death in Hong Kong on December 7, 1899. His
legacy as a painter and patriot continues to inspire Filipinos today.
"Juan Luna España y Filipinas" is a painting created by Juan Luna in 1886. The title translates to
"Juan Luna Spain and the Philippines" in English. The painting depicts Juan Luna himself, standing in the
center, holding a palette and brushes in his left hand and a paintbrush in his right. Behind him are
images of his most famous works, including "Spoliarium" and "La Muerte de Cleopatra" (The Death of
Cleopatra). The painting is meant to represent Luna's connection to both Spain, where he received his
formal art education, and the Philippines, his birthplace and the source of inspiration for much of his art.
It is also an expression of Luna's patriotism, as he was one of the key figures in the movement for
Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule. Overall, "Juan Luna España y Filipinas" is a powerful
representation of Luna's identity as a Filipino artist and nationalist, and it serves as a testament to his
significant contributions to the development of Philippine art and culture.
From an artistic perspective, the painting is a masterful work of art that showcases Luna's skill as
a painter. The painting includes a self-portrait of Luna, as well as images of his most famous works,
which adds a personal touch to the artwork. The use of colors and textures in the painting is impressive,
and it is clear that Luna put a great deal of thought and effort into creating this piece. Overall, "España y
Filipinas" is an important artwork that offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural
connections between Spain and the Philippines, as well as the identity and artistic skill of Juan Luna.
Elmer Borlongan is a renowned Filipino painter known for his socially engaged and politically
charged artworks. He was born on September 26, 1967, in Manila, Philippines. Borlongan grew up in a
working-class family and was deeply affected by the social and political issues that plagued the
Philippines during his childhood. Borlongan began his artistic career in the late 1980s as a member of
the Salingpusa art group. In the early 1990s, he attended the University of the Philippines College of Fine
Arts, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style. He is known for his large-scale paintings
that often depict everyday life in the Philippines, particularly the struggles and challenges faced by
marginalized communities. Borlongan's works have been featured in numerous exhibitions both in the
Philippines and abroad, including shows in the United States, Japan, and France. He has won several
awards for his art, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Thirteen Artists Award in 1994 and
the Ateneo Art Awards in 2013. Borlongan's art has been widely acclaimed for its powerful commentary
on the social and political issues facing the Philippines. His paintings often depict the harsh realities of
poverty, corruption, and violence in the country, but they also offer hope and inspiration for a better
future. Today, Borlongan is considered one of the most influential artists in the Philippines, and his
works continue to inspire and challenge viewers around the world.
"Life Goes On" is one of Elmer Borlongan's most famous paintings. It was created in 2000 and is
a large-scale work that measures 84 inches by 84 inches. The painting depicts a crowded street scene in
the Philippines, with people going about their daily lives amidst the chaos and noise of the city. The
painting is notable for its use of color and texture, which create a sense of movement and energy. The
figures in the painting are depicted in bold, broad strokes, giving them a sense of dynamism and vitality.
Borlongan's use of color is also notable, with bright, vivid hues contrasting with darker, more muted
tones to create a sense of depth and complexity. The title of the painting, "Life Goes On," is an
important element of its meaning. The painting portrays the resilience and perseverance of the Filipino
people in the face of difficult circumstances. Despite the challenges and struggles they face, the people
in the painting continue to go about their daily lives, finding joy and happiness amidst the chaos. At the
same time, the painting is also a commentary on the social and economic conditions in the Philippines.
The crowded, chaotic scene suggests overpopulation and the struggle for resources, while the people's
various activities hint at the challenges they face in earning a living and making ends meet. The painting
thus offers a complex and nuanced view of Filipino life, celebrating its vitality and resilience while also
acknowledging its challenges and struggles.
Borlongan's use of bold colors and energetic brushstrokes creates a sense of movement and
vitality that captures the hustle and bustle of the city. The figures in the painting are depicted with a
great deal of empathy and sensitivity, suggesting Borlongan's deep concern for the plight of the Filipino
people. At the same time, some critics have also noted the painting's complexity and ambiguity. While it
celebrates the resilience of the Filipino people, it also acknowledges the challenges and struggles they
face. The painting thus offers a nuanced and multifaceted view of Filipino life, one that is both
celebratory and critical. Some people might see the painting as a celebration of the resilience and
perseverance of the Filipino people in the face of difficult circumstances. The vibrant colors and dynamic
brushstrokes capture the energy and vitality of everyday life in the Philippines. The painting's title, "Life
Goes On," reinforces this idea, suggesting that no matter what challenges people may face, they
continue to carry on with their lives and find joy and happiness amidst the chaos.
Others might see the painting as a commentary on the social and economic conditions in the
Philippines. The crowded street scene suggests overpopulation and the struggle for resources, while the
people's various activities hint at the challenges they face in earning a living and making ends meet. The
painting thus offers a critical perspective on the realities of life in the Philippines, one that acknowledges
the difficulties and struggles that many people face. Overall, "Life Goes On" is a complex and nuanced
work of art that can be interpreted in many different ways. Whether seen as a celebration of resilience
or a critical commentary on social conditions, the painting captures the vitality and complexity of
everyday life in the Philippines.