By Rhea Parsad
In remembrance of the declaration of the Martial Law, and in recognition of the present state of the Philippine administration, Hiraya Gallery commissioned artist Randalf Dilla to create the murals “Salvaged Memories, Salvaged Lives and the “#WhatNow”.
The days of Martial Law are a part of our country’s history that we will always remember. The former president Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of the Martial Law ignited the spark of revolution and the fires of freedom in the hearts of Filipinos.
The days of Martial Law are a part of our country’s history that we will always remember. The former president Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of the Martial Law ignited the spark of revolution and the fires of freedom in the hearts of Filipinos.
This 8ftx18.5ft oil and acrylic “The Salvaged Memories, Salvaged Lives” portray the violence and injustices faced by the Filipinos during the Marcos Regime. The artist showed numerous elements that explicitly depicted the state of the country during the regime.
The central figure (Ferdinand Marcos) is portrayed as the dictator with iron fists, depicting the tyrannical methods he used to control the country. To his left are gold bars falling down from a weighing scale that, according to the artist, depicts his corruption and greed of wealth, while the burning papers at his right symbolize his utter disregard for the law when he seized power. Seen on both sides are prisoners trying to break free from the clutches of Marcos’ dictatorship.
The central figure (Ferdinand Marcos) is portrayed as the dictator with iron fists, depicting the tyrannical methods he used to control the country. To his left are gold bars falling down from a weighing scale that, according to the artist, depicts his corruption and greed of wealth, while the burning papers at his right symbolize his utter disregard for the law when he seized power. Seen on both sides are prisoners trying to break free from the clutches of Marcos’ dictatorship.
This oil and acrylic 8ftx17ft painting,”#WhatNow” depicts the country’s state after the days of Martial Law. It poses the question, “Where are we now?” and subsequently shows the present state of Philippine society.
A woman is seen crying in the center, depicting a nation and its people constantly abused and maltreated by their “leader” sitting comfortably at the top. The “leader” is seen as if he is one with his throne, as branches coming out of his head depict the “dynasties” being embedded in the political system of the Philippines. Seen in both sides of the mural are men draped in white and purple, politicians with “Pinocchio” noses that symbolize the lies and deceit they use in their quest for power. The men in black and white sitting in the background represent the people in Business, Commerce and Industries that are covered and protected by the government officials.
A woman is seen crying in the center, depicting a nation and its people constantly abused and maltreated by their “leader” sitting comfortably at the top. The “leader” is seen as if he is one with his throne, as branches coming out of his head depict the “dynasties” being embedded in the political system of the Philippines. Seen in both sides of the mural are men draped in white and purple, politicians with “Pinocchio” noses that symbolize the lies and deceit they use in their quest for power. The men in black and white sitting in the background represent the people in Business, Commerce and Industries that are covered and protected by the government officials.
While the prominent elements portray the political system of the Philippines, what one should really see is something at the lower-right side of the mural —the figure of a Filipino child curled-up as he sleeps by the cold and dirty wayside - this figure ultimately depicts the effect the political system has on the country and the Filipinos: suffering and poverty as they are caught in the petty squabbles of those in power.
The artist, Randalf Dilla, is a Fine Arts graduate of the Feati University and is known for winning “The Most Ambitious Work” at the International 2013/2014 ARC Salon, an international art competition organized by the Art Renewal Center in New York, United States.
The art show is open for viewing from Sept. 23, 6pm – Oct. 20, 7pm at the Hiraya Gallery, United Nations Ave., Ermita, Manila. The Millennial Post
The artist, Randalf Dilla, is a Fine Arts graduate of the Feati University and is known for winning “The Most Ambitious Work” at the International 2013/2014 ARC Salon, an international art competition organized by the Art Renewal Center in New York, United States.
The art show is open for viewing from Sept. 23, 6pm – Oct. 20, 7pm at the Hiraya Gallery, United Nations Ave., Ermita, Manila. The Millennial Post