CRITICALESSAY2

Maria Joycelyn M.
Abejar Arts 1 - E1
Motherhood
The piece of artwork that I have chosen for this critical art essay is a painting by contemporary
artist Dominic Rubio titled “Puente” from “Ilustrados”. The painting was newly launched in Galleria Nicolas
Greenbelt 5 in 2023. I found this particular piece of artwork on Pinterest showing with other photographs
taken at the gallery. The setting and the surroundings definitely shaped the way I saw and observed this
painting. The color palette in addition is presented in bright yellows, warm creamy earth tones, vivid reds,
and soft whites that seem to express a longing for simpler, more romantic times. Many of the surroundings
were simply just elongated figures set against a historical background, as well as detailed and realistic
garment designs and embroidery. Which portrays various aspects of Filipino archetypes, clothing,
customs, and tradition, and comprises unique, struck-deep nostalgic scenes that symbolize our colonial
past as modern Filipinos.
The reason why I believe that seeing this artwork in the midst of others in a similar fashion shaped
the way I perceive the painting is that if I had seen this specific art in a person`s living room or in a public
advertisement, I would simply pass by it without giving it a second thought. But merely writing this essay
and observing the painting more closely has allowed me to shift my thinking and my perspective as I react
directly to the topic by being connected with what the figures are doing. In “Puente”, Rubio not only
showcases the beauty of Filipino culture but also serves as a bridge between generations.
Nevertheless, we now live in a society where we have often heard of the term “historical
revisionism”. Making art universal in that it expresses ourselves and our social surroundings through
raising social awareness, social context, and bridging cultural gaps. Looking back at history, the “Ilustrados”
played a critical role and were some of the most important artists in the colonial period. Artists such as
the “Ilustrados” and Rubio express themselves whether by means of thoughts, feelings, or ideals.
Another example is during the Martial Law era. We all know that Filipinos had gone through many
struggles and battles in that time, and they created artworks that reflected their defiance of Marcos’
regime. It shapes protest art from paintings, murals, comics, and many others to show the continuous will
to establish democracy. From the way I see it, art definitely mirrors society because it depicts how the
experiences of society impact the creation of an artwork.
To sum it all up, based on Tablazon, “To what degree can the artist be held accountable?" As we
observe any artwork, it is able to communicate and pass messages to us as an audience and I believe an
artist, just like any other public figure, is supposed to be responsible for the messages they would like to
convey to the public. Their paintings can evoke anger in society and trigger political revolutions. I am not
sure of what complicity they have or how accountable they should be, but what I do know is that art has
an immense message. I do not think they will ever get out of the relation and I believe that artists should
think about it. That eventually, people cannot avoid interpreting the art, thereby questioning everything.
How did the artist come up with this idea? Why did he choose this shade? What motivates them to work
on this? This demonstrates how art is an extension of an artist’s personality and public image and how it
affects society and vice versa.
Reference:
Galerie Joaquin Group of Galleries. “Ilustrados | Dominic Rubio by Galerie Joaquin Group of Galleries -
Issuu.” Issuu.com, 6 Jan. 2023, issuu.com/artexhibit/docs/ilustrados. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.
Rubio, Dominic. “Puente.” LIFESTYLE.INQ, 7 Jan. 2023, lifestyle.inquirer.net/files/2023/01/421411.jpeg.
Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.
Verayo-De Villa, Natasha. “Dominic Rubio’s ‘Ilustrados’ Opens Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt.” Lifestyle.INQ,
29 Jan. 2023, lifestyle.inquirer.net/439342/dominic-rubios-ilustrados-opens-galleria-nicolas-
greenbelt/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.

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Maria Joycelyn M.

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