The ‘Sining Saysay’ exhibit: A 15-minute history lesson with paintings

There has never been a gallery in the world full of portraits depicting different eras of a country's history—until "Sining Saysay: Philippine History in Art," at The Gateway Gallery in Cubao, Quezon City.

The 30-piece collection is a project of the University of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association, and the Araneta Center.

In his statement during the exhibit's press preview, UP President Fred Pascual stressed that the endeavor is the university's "offering to the country."

"It's UP's offering to our country and to our people so that we will never forget our roots, what Filipinos are now as shaped the events in history of this country," he told the members of the press.

Former UP Regent and president of the UPAA Gari Tiongco also said that the project is meant to be exhibited for a lifetime.

"This project is meant to last a lifetime for several generations. We are so proud of this project because through art in about 15 to 30 minutes, you will know the significant historical facts of the Philippines," he said.

In this note, Pascual confirmed that they are indeed planning to make the UP Diliman campus as the artworks' permanent home, which can be accessed by everyone.

As the main convenor of the project, UP also enlisted artists who graduated from the university for the exhibition.

They are Luis E. Yee Jr. (Junyee), Benjamin I. Cabangis, Dimkin S. de Pio, Gig de Pio, Randy T. Solon, National Artist Abdul Mari Asia Imao, Armand B. Bacaltos, Amando A. Hidalgo, Jonahmar A. Salvosa, Janice Young, Vincent Paolo S. de Pio, Romeo Mananquil, Aileen Grace Lanuza-de Pio, Grace "Gigi" J. Alfonso, Adonai Artificio, Norman Dreo, National Artist BenCab, Crisostomo S. Cruz, Romeo S.A. Carlos, Julius S. Samson, Norlito P. Meimban, Leonilo Doloricon, Michael Velasco, Bernardino F. Infante, Pablo Baen-Santos, Angel C. Cacnio, Michael N. Velasco, Grandier Gil C. Bella, Denes Villa Cruz Dasco.

UP also got the help of historians Dr. Serafin Quiazon and Prof. Ma. Luisa Camagay as experts the artists could consult.

All of the artworks were made of oil and acrylic on 6 ft. x 12 ft. canvas except for Junyee's "Prehistoric Philippines I," which is based on the petroglyphs found on a rock wall in Angono, Rizal. According to Philippine historians, the petroglyphs are the first evidence of writing and art in the country. To date, experts still cannot decipher the meaning behind the figures.

The artist used 15 gallons of Versatix to approximate the cave's texture and surface.

Aside from presenting different events in Philippine history, the exhibit also highlights the different groups of people who made an impact in the country, such as the Chinese.

Young was assigned to create the artwork that would put the Filipino-Chinese communities in the spotlight.

She chose to put prominent Filipino-Chinese personalities from different eras in one "family picture" to emphasize their role in Philippine history.  

"The Chinese have always been in Philippine history, not just in one period of time," she said in an interview with GMA News Online.

There are also artworks focusing on Muslim Filipinos and the Filipino women who made a difference.

The gallery also features works that depict festivals, icons, and symbols—truly making a visit a 15-minute history lesson as well as a trip down memory lane. — BM, GMA News

"Sining Saysay: Philippine History in Art" is mounted at the Gateway Gallery in Gateway Tower Mall, Cubao. It will be open to the public starting February 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.