Vargas Museum. The classical and the modernized.

On December 8 was another venture about art and the need of effort was highly recommended. We had a very interesting prelim exam in our Art Theory course subject and the tasks are to explore the U.P. (University of the Philippines - Diliman) campus in an amazing race kind of style, and then blog about the artworks inside the Vargas Museum, which is also inside U.P. It was very complicated at first, but all of these challenges are honestly worth it. Because the spirit and experience were there, which were the best learning method and one of the first things I've ever heard of and done. I was really happy that our group made it to the first top 3 and we also obtained cool bonus points to our grade!

Picture on the right is the front part of the Vargas Museum.

These are my favorite art works exhibited at the Vargas Museum:

Traditional Artwork

Picture source: Link

"Picnic in Normandy" by Juan Luna

This is an absolute legit painting that caught my eyes and it has transported me into another kind of world. This painting gives you a sense of harmony and a likeness to be in the same setting as this one. It is indeed a very splendid work with amazing composition and color combinations. If you don't have a single clue on who the painter is, you would have never thought that it would be a Filipino because the style and the aura of the painting is very different. But when we have done so to discover about the painter, our perspective will change. And thus we have been inspired that Juan Luna has made history in art and in the whole world. Truly an amazing achievement and a great artist.

I have always been a fan of Juan Luna's work ever since I discovered his work "Spolarium" and saw it with my own two eyes. Now that I have seen another more of his works personally, it has given me yet an additional new kind of belief and feelings as of sharing artworks to the viewers and also as of being an artist.

Note: Taking photographs is prohibited at the museum's second floor and I guess I now know why because it's a garden filled with obra maestras.

Contemporary Artwork

This is a beautiful contemporary artwork by Ronald Ventura. Moreover the whole first floor of the museum has his works or rather his solo exhibition which is called Watching the Watchmen.

My eyes have literally spend its own time studying these two sculptures. According to the source, Ventura responds to the form of the bulol of the Cordillera

He re-creates the bulol and presents them as anatomies, tattooed pieces, and CGI-inspired renderings that explore pop and contemporary expression. The bulol as an object mimics the silhouette and substance of toys and collectibles, moving away from its customary reference as an indigenous statuary. According to the New York Times, “Over the past 10 years, Mr. Ventura’s works have explored the role and place of religion in Filipino society, issues of identity and social stereotypes, consumerism and warfare. He often juxtaposes unexpected images — like a large skull with Disney characters; or a clown and a gas mask — to push viewers to question the realities of modern society.”

- Source: Watching the Watchmen

I really admire how he made this amazing work because the color is very calming, the composition is very meaningful and unique, and the over all picture makes your mind curious as to "Why haven't I thought of this?"

Personally, this has a very deep meaning about the relationship of a man and a woman, on how they look on each other and how they will be united together.

My insights about Bulol has surely uplifted to another conclusion that it had a big influence on our ancestors and moreover up until now, it still did.

I would love to follow his foot steps and be updated on his accomplishments because this artist had made my mind going in circles. When the time comes that he has a new exhibition, I would gladly attend again.

More information about this exhibit:

Watching the Watchmen | Ronald Ventura
13 November 2012 – 14 December 2012
GF Lobby and West Wing Gallery

Here are more goodies from the Vargas Museum that I just can't help but share it: