Cid Reyes’ interviews preserve the creative journey of National Artists for future generations
When people think of art, images of paintings hanging in galleries or sculptures displayed in museums first come to mind.
However, art is not just what is perceived through the eyes. It’s about the meanings hidden in plain sight, the stories behind the work, and the artist whose hands brought it to life.
Yet, more often than not, those parts fade with time. The artworks survive, but the voices behind them are often lost.
Fortunately for the Philippines, writer, artist, and art critic Cid Reyes was able to single-handedly capture the thoughts, dreams, and creative journeys of some of the country’s greatest artists on tape.
Now part of Lost Conversations, these recordings provide a rare glimpse into the minds of National Artists long before their names were etched into history’s hall of fame.
Now, those interviews have found a new home on Articulate PH, a YouTube channel dedicated to putting the spotlight on Philippine art, specifically Filipino talents.
Making it happen
The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, which works closely with the National Museum of Fine Arts, played a key role in making these recordings accessible.
By supporting the efforts to digitize, preserve, and share Reyes’ archival interviews, the foundation helped bring these conversations from analog tapes into the digital world.
“These recordings are more than just interviews. They are national treasures, offering us an intimate glimpse into the minds of those who shaped contemporary Philippine art,” said Danny Jacinto, president of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines.
For decades, the Museum Foundation has helped preserve Filipino culture. Lost Conversations is another step in keeping these stories alive, not just for scholars but for anyone who loves art.
A peek into an artist’s psyche
For many Filipinos, National Artists are just names they’ve heard in school or seen on plaques. But hearing them speak is a different experience altogether.
“These recordings allow us to step beyond the canvas and into the creative minds of those who shaped Philippine modern art,” said Jorell Legaspi, deputy director-general for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines.
Unlike written accounts that often summarize an artist’s life, these interviews capture their thoughts in real time. It’s raw, honest, and unfiltered.
The artists behind the masterpieces
Listening to these tapes makes one thing clear—even the most celebrated artists were once young dreamers trying to figure things out.
“At that time, there were no National Artists, and these artists themselves were not aware of their greatness,” Reyes recalled.
“I did not get a sense of ego from them. The Filipino artist [then] was totally in support of each other.”
Some artists spoke about their influences, artistic philosophies, creative processes, and even personal experiences.
Others revealed funny and unexpected moments like Reyes’ chance encounter with a tricycle driver in Davao that led him to National Artist Victorio Edades, a “miracle” that changed his career.
These stories show that before they were icons, these artists were simply people. They took risks, poured themselves into their craft, and hoped their work would mean something.
A piece of history
Aside from preserving history, these interviews show that art isn’t just about technique—it’s about passion, perseverance, and purpose.
“I have always believed that oral history is of paramount value,” Reyes said.
“This is history straight from the horse’s mouth, from the artist’s mouth… At that very moment in time, the artist was sharing what was truth for him.”
Without these recordings, we might never have known what these artists thought and felt.
Keeping their sound alive
Now that Lost Conversations is on YouTube, more people can access these recordings, whether they’re young artists looking for inspiration or casual viewers curious about Philippine art.
Thanks to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and Articulate PH, these voices will continue to be heard.
As Reyes put it, “History is being made right now.”
And now, for the first time in decades, we can hear it for ourselves.