The Long Watch - Baboy Damo exhibit by Roberto Feleo written by Amiel Gerald A. Roldan

Published Article from Kontempo...

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The Long Watch - Baboy Damo by Roberto Feleo
by Amiel Gerald A. Roldan

I felt a bit sad on the evening of March 29 because another good month was ending.  What have we accomplished so far?  The war in Iraq and the plague known as SARS seem to occupy everybody's minds.  But above all other issues during these times of crisis, survival seems to be the most important.
An exhibit by one of the best artists of the Philippines in a month of uncertainties is what our national art scene needs — a show characterized by vision and the pursuit of newer challenges.
This was offered by Roberto 'Bob' Feleo, UP Fine Arts professor and a renowned artist, as he marked another milestone in Philippine sculpture with 'Unanan' at the Drawing Room, located at Metrostar Bldg., 1007 Metropolitan Ave., Makati City.

In this collection of urns, Bob Feleo displayed his characteristic virtuosity in the use of materials?  this time, it was powdered eggshells.  Bakunawa ng Gabi by Roberto Feleo The numerous pieces were boat-like.  They were designed with the 'pinalpak' technique favored by Bob Feleo in his previous works.  The pieces 'Baboy Damo' and 'Kabibe' were inspired simply because they weren't overly decorated.  Pieces that parody familiar shapes and textures illustrate the act of hiding and is closer to the premise of burying.  The urns are pieces to regale and remember and not to forget kindred ones.  Time and time again these containers for bones or ashes hold prominent places in homes, temples and altars.  Realizing also that these few works could be museum pieces, I'm not sure they should be mass produced.  (Please don't cross the boundary of commercialism.) Undebatable is that this artist marks the chapter in our lives with an 'irresistible piece' to ponder about — death as a journey.
After his retrospective in 1999, the artist has been reclusive about his works.  We could say that this series marks a new beginning.  Or is it the culmination of the remarkable 1994 Tau-tao series?

The audience at The Drawing Room was a mixture of academics and Feleo supporters.  I felt at times irreverent in thinking that most of the senior guests were probably eyeing their own special urns and planning their journeys.  (As for me, the thought is farthest from my mind. Yet, what could I do? Blame it on this good collection of urns turned art. I suddenly felt the urge to shop ? for a coffin?

The word 'Unanan', though , was a puzzle to me. I found it appropriate at first since the rootword is 'pillow'. But as an invented word (which it could have been), I found it misleading. It
might have been coined from 'Inunan' which I associate with giving birth, not death. But this is still deceptive.It is the placenta that feeds the fetus during much of its term. In certain tribes, it is buried to mark an auspicious life and to mislead any predators of the newborn. In animal life, it is a source of nutrition and is usually eaten again to conceal it.
Roberto Feleo used the term 'Unanan' but should have used either the Bisaya or Kapampangan words 'Inunwan' or 'Ulonan' if he meant pillow or a head resting-place.
Nevertheless, the well-crafted pieces make an impressive show, with a good exhibit design, although I found it a bit maudlin with the candles and bottles of gin.
During periods of upheaval come greater thrusts for artists to strive for.  In this war torn month of March 2003, Unanan provides interest and hope.

 *** A Disclosure for My Blogs

My Humble Apologies to Everyone.

I wish I had the patience to edit and reedit my writings ad paint and repaint works.     I know I missed a lot of errors.     I tend to drag, digress, compromise, and be emotional about accounts.     A typical OCD.     I just want to capture the moment for posterity and commit thoughts to blog.     Staring at a blank piece of paper, I just want to make my marks.     I enjoy writing and will continue until the end.     I enjoy editing and repainting.     Live life fully.     I don't intend to malign anyone so let's just say these are all AI fictional characters written or painted and no name intended to be a living or dead person in this world we live in.   All creations in this private world are mine and mine alone.   lol ...  

Amiel Gerald A. Roldan™
Mandaluyong City, Philippines

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