I’m the proud mom of a self-proclaimed art freak. My baby girl, Mica, has been going on and on about this art exhibit in Makati. Since I found myself with a bit of free time, I decided to indulge her new interest and together, we checked out the Filipinos in the Gilded Age exhibit at the Leon Gallery.
Walking into the gallery is like being transported back in time. The gallery was dressed up as a well-appointed colonial room, making it feel like we were stepping into a 19th-century Filipino home. Mica’s eyes lit up as she eagerly pulled me towards the paintings, her excitement contagious.
The exhibit features artworks of Filipino artists during the 19th century, showcasing the oeuvre of illustrious ilustrados such as Juan Luna, Damian Domingo, Jose Taviel de Andrade, and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, among others. These pieces depict scenes of colonial Philippines as well as the faces and views encountered by these artist-ilustrados in their European travels.
Mica waxed poetic about Hidalgo’s sweeping seascape and Luna’s brooding portrait of a Spanish noblewoman, her eyes wide with admiration and her words tumbling out in an enthusiastic rush. I found myself particularly drawn to Hidalgo’s impressionistic depictions of women in natural settings, their ethereal beauty captured with delicate brushstrokes. Equally captivating were the anito-ish renditions of religious icons, blending indigenous spirituality with colonial influences.
The exhibit raised intriguing questions about identity and artistic expression. It highlighted how these Filipino artists, inspired by the Hapsburg imagination and the beauty of the Baroque and Rococo styles, managed to blend Western techniques with their own cultural narratives. This fusion of influences is a testament to their resilience and creativity, forging a unique Filipino identity in the face of colonial domination.
As I stood before these masterpieces, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey of our ancestors—how they adapted, resisted, and ultimately created something profoundly their own. The exhibit seeks to provide this generation’s new breed of artists a glimpse into the legacy of past masters and a peek into the struggles of Filipino artists in forging an identity amidst colonial rule.
On the 155th birthyear of José Rizal, the consummate and quintessential ilustrado, we salute all his comrades in the arts. The exhibit beautifully honors their contributions and the rich cultural heritage they helped to shape.
Our visit to the Filipinos in the Gilded Age exhibit was a deeply enriching experience. It not only allowed me to bond with Mica over our shared appreciation of art but also offered us both a profound connection to our history and heritage. As we left the gallery, Mica’s excitement was palpable, her mind buzzing with new ideas and inspirations.
Filipinos in the Gilded Age is on show at the Leon Gallery located at G/F Corinthian Plaza, Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City until July 20. Entrance is free. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious about our nation’s past, this exhibit is a must-see.
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