“Ang sining ay hindi lamang dekorasyon. Ang sining ay kaluluwa ng bayan. Ang ang kaluluwa ng Pilipino ay hindi kailanman magagapi.”
These words by Bulakenyo artist Gaspadin Mamarag echoes the goal of the “Likha at Latik” art exhibit that was opened to the public at the Pavilion Mall in Biñan City, Laguna last May 13.
The three-day exhibit was part of the “pre-activities” of the Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office (BCHATO) in the run-up to the celebration of the Puto Latik Festival from May 15 to 23.
This is the fifth solo art exhibit of Mamarag – Manolito Agustin in real life – whose artworks have also been exhibited in various occasions in Biñan City in past years.
Born in 1965 in Malolos City, Bulacan, Mamarag started his art career late in life.
However, he first honed his skills as a comics artist, then as a scholar at the Stroganov Art Academy in the former Soviet Union from 1985 to 1992.
After working home and abroad in various jobs, he began single-handedly pursuing his painting career upon reaching the age of 50 in 2015.
Art in the mainstream
In his message during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mamarag emphasized that it is time for the visual arts to become more mainstream and accessible to the ordinary Filipino.
“For many years, art was often confined to exclusive galleries alone and seen only by a select few,” he related.
“Ngunit ang tunay na sining ay hindi po dapat nakatago lang sa mga lugar na para lamang sa iilan.
“Ang sining po ay para sa lahat – para sa estudyante, sa mga manggagawa, pamilya, at bawat Pilipinong patuloy na lumalaban.”
Mamarag also expressed his conviction that art can and should represent the indomitable spirit of the Filipino who are able to rise to the occasion despite hardships.
“Dahil sa huli, ang sinig ay hindi lang dekorasyon. Ang sinig ay kaluluwa ng bayan. At ang spirit ng Pilipino ay hindi kailanman magagapi,” he emphasized.
Due recognition
Another prominent Filipino artist – Rizaleño Nemesio Miranda, also known as “Nemiranda” – lauded the city government of Biñan’s recognition not only to Mamarag but also to other lesser-known Filipino artists.
“Masaya kami sa aming ginagawa dahil ito ang legasiya na iniwan namin pag-alis namin sa mundo. Sa isang artist, mahalaga yung kanyang legacy, katulad ni Mamarag. Sa dami ng mga artworks niya dito, si Mamarag ay umukit na ng kanyang pangalan sa art world sa bansang Pilipinas,” Miranda, also known as the “Father of Imaginative Figuratism,” declared in his message.
“Sa isang bayan na walang artist, parang patay ang kultura at ang sining. So, with the presence of artists in the community, nabubuhay ang komunidad at nabubuhay ang kultura at sining. Yumayabong ang tradisyon because of the presence of artists,” he added.
Cultural celebration
For BCHATO head BJ Borja, whose department is also the main driving force behind the Puto Latik Festival, Mamarag’s art exhibit also reflects the local government’s drive to promote art and culture as a vehicle for socio-economic progress.
“Sa activity po na ito ay maisasalarawan at maipapakita po natin kung paano ginagamit ang visual arts para mai-stamp ang isang local tradition,” Borja said in his message during the event.
“Ang Puto Latik Festival po is a celebration of Puto Binan and the Maglalatik Dance. So yan po yung cultural highlight ng Binan that we are celebrating,” he added.
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