Juan Luna's place in Southeast Asian art history honored in ‘Between Worlds’

Chances are, even those with the littlest interest in art know what the "Spoliarium" is, and maybe could identify Juan Luna as the noted painter behind the grand work.

Admission to the National Museum of the Philippines is free and the imposing masterpiece is the first thing visitors will see as they enter the halls of the gallery.

The painter's fame is overshadowed these days by his younger brother Antonio's newfound glory thanks to the hit independent movie "Heneral Luna", but in Singapore, Juan's place in Southeast Asian art history is honored in "Between Worlds: Raden Saleh & Juan Luna."

Curated by Russell Storer, Clarissa Chikiamco, and Syed Muhammad Hafiz, the exhibit brings together 80 paintings, drawings and archival materials done by the two masters. Eight of Luna's works were lent by the National Museum of the Philippines, including his self-portrait during his time in Rome.

The National Gallery Singapore has provided a rather cute infographic to share highlights of his career, including the prizes that his won and the role he played in asserting the Philippines' independence from Spain.

At the exhibit, a concise timeline documents highlights in his life and a cabinet with newspaper clippings and other archival materials that give an overview of his time in Europe. This includes unsavory details, like the murder trial he faced in Paris for the death of his wife Paz Pardo de Tavera.

Heroes are human, but as National Museum of the Philippines Director Jeremy Barns explains, Luna's place in our country's history is sealed. In a recorded statement, Barns said, "His talent was recognized as being first rate and this was the first time that a Filipino was celebrated for this kind of achievement in painting."

Saleh and Luna are without a doubt skilled as artists, but the subject of their work and their techniques were very much influenced by the West. One can only imagine what it meant for a citizen of a colony to create such massive, awe-inspiring artworks.

We were designated as second rate citizens, maybe less.

Saleh and Luna were among the first to struggle with their love for their respective countries and the ambitions they had as artists — and the need to be recognized as equals.

"Between Worlds" captures a delicate moment in history for Southeast Asian nations. Each brush stroke were deliberate declarations by Saleh and Luna that one day, this region will find freedom and flourish.

These were the first steps and the exhibit walks visitors through the beauty and strength they found under an oppressive regime. — LA, GMA News

"Between Worlds: Raden Saleh & Juan Luna" runs until March 11 at the National Gallery Singapore. Entry to the exhibition costs $15 for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, and $25 for non-Singaporeans.

Curators Russell Storer and Clarissa Chikiamco will be giving a talk at Art Fair Philippines 2018 on March 2.