Zion Students Captivated with Filipino Art at the National Museum of Fine Arts
“Art is a reflection of the world we live in,” remarked Grade 12 ABM student Moira Villamanca.
In an enriching cultural exploration, Grade 12 students and teachers from MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) embarked on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Filipino art at the National Museum of Fine Arts last February 6 to further appreciate various Philippine art pieces as part of their subject Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions.
Beginning their journey, the students were captivated by the historic "Spoliarium" painting by Juan Luna y Novocio, unveiled in 1884. The massive 4.22 m x 7.675 m artwork, inspired by the gladiators of the Roman Colosseum, depicts scenes of theft and tragedy, earning Luna accolades at the National Exposition of Fine Arts in Madrid and eventual pride for the Philippines.
“When I first saw the painting, I [couldn’t] help but wonder how they transported it, as well as how it ended up here. Looking at it made me curious about its adventures through the generations,” reflected STEM student Timothy Tan about his experience observing the “Spoliarium.”
Following their encounter with the renowned Luna painting, the students and teachers explored a myriad of Filipino artworks, ranging from oil paintings to narra wood sculptures. These pieces showcased diverse themes and materials, providing attendees with opportunities for reflection.
Nathan Go, another STEM student, noted his thoughts on the painting City Silhouette Artist Proof by Jose T. Joya: “Personally, I was able to enjoy it because the small and simple monochrome painting matched my taste of simple monochrome artworks.”
Senior High School Supervisor Rosalee Pagnamitan fondly reminisced about Vincente Manansala’s painting titled Mga Magsasaka: “I love looking at it because it reminds me of my happy childhood when I used to help my parents and relatives in planting rice, pulling out weeds, and harvesting. That communal activity, embodying the spirit of bayanihan, remains vividly imprinted in my memory.”
