Issues on poverty, capitalism and illegal drugs, among others, are tackled in Pandayan ng Pilipinong Kultura’s (Panday Pira) 30th anniversary exhibit, dubbed XXX.
The group show, presented by University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA) of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), gathered members of Panday Pira Professional to present their artworks under the four themes “Ang Kalye,” “Ang Bansa,” “Ang Altar,” and “Ang Kapayapaan.”
For “Ang Kalye,” regular people and scenarios on the street are highlighted in Jof Nachor’s oil on canvas titled “Dangkal,” Retinal Renan Ortiz’s pen and ink on paper “Nanay Mameng,” Randy Valiente’s “Maynila,” and Christopher Zamora’s painting “A punk and a pedestrian.”
Panday Pira founder and Manila Standard art director Romel Ismit Mendez presents his published editorial cartoons, done using Wacon pen tablet on Adobe Photoshop, featuring national issues of the Philippines.
Fierce criticisms on various societal issues are the focus on “Ang Bansa.” Capitalism, imperialism, neo-liberalism and human trafficking are tackled through the paintings of Mendez (Infobesity), Boyet De Mesa (Gera at Kultura), Iska Venger (Aanak ti daga, Salakniban di daga), Resty Flores (Untitled), and Nachor (Fought to Loose #2).
Bogie Bobis, Andrew Florentino and Amel Sabangan pay homage to victims of the administration’s war on drugs through their pieces “Sa Pagkagat ng Liwanag,” “TINAPA (Tinaniman, Nanlaban, Pinatay),” “Roleta ng Kapalaran,” and “Necropolitics.” While the fight and purpose of an artist is illustrated by Venger’s paintings.
The third part of the exhibit, “Ang Altar,” composed of works by Rica Reyes-dela Cruz, Michael Beltran, Bridge Perez-Florentino, Bobis and Sabangan, memorializes the lives lost to extra-judicial killings and Oplan Tokhang.
Finally, “Ang Kapayapaan” symbolizes the nation’s call for peace and justice, featuring works of young artists who will inherit the future.