Last Wednesday, an exhibition of 15 artworks portraying Andres Bonifacio and his nationalist ideals was launched at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) as part of the commemoration of Bonifacio’s 150th birthday this coming November 30.
The “Andres Bonifacio@150” exhibit was made possible through the collaboration of collaboration of the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Interestingly, the collaboration pulled together a diverse set of artists – from abstract expressionists to social realists – to highlight Bonifacio’s heroism and his legacy of fiery struggle for national liberation and democracy.
Multi-awarded visual artist Leonilo Doloricon contributed a monochrome painting titled “Rebolusyon at Bayan,” which features a rendition of the Bonifacio monument in Caloocan City over Filipinos in prominently battle cry chorus.
Contemporary artist Nikki Luna, meanwhile, came up with a neon-lighted installation art of Bonifacio’s face. Critics however noted that the sun rays used were that of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s Magdalo group and not of Supremo’s Magdiwang group.
In this intriguing paper cut-out titled “Masked,” the artist creatively portrays the captured Filipino insurgents with their heads covered in bayong.
Other artists who shared their gift for the Bonifacio@!50 collaboration are Ramon “Chito” Zapata, Con Cabrera, Buen Calubayan, Vermont Coronel, Antipas Delotavo, Caloy Gernale, Badz Magsumbol, Iggy Rodriguez, Jose Tence Ruiz, Pablo Baen Santos, Dea Solis, Manolo Sicat and the Ugatlahi Artists Collective.
“Andres Bonifacio@150” is open to the public at the Pasilyo Carlos V. Francisco (Little Theater Lobby) of the CCP from October to December 3.
Chronicles of Carlos 