10.12.06 kulturnatib

Halad for Tipon

Art groups, like most groups in the Philippines, are, as they say, a dime a dozen. These groups have not been immune to the general Pinoy cultural viruses of division and replication, a major reason for their proliferation.

But, divide and replicate are not the only things that art groups do, even if to a casual onlooker that's what seems to be happening all or most of the time.

Art groups, traditionally, have and are playing a major role in the advancement of art and the promotion of some artists mainly through the organizing of exhibits.

This tradition has developed from, on one hand, the necessity for exhibiting and, on the other, the often lack of infrastructure or dedicated exhibit spaces – galleries -- and, more importantly, the personnel with experience and, often less so, expertise in mounting exhibits. Curatorship, in short.

But in recent years, art groups have emerged questioning or challenging this traditional model. These groups have and are seeing that the focus on exhibiting alone is too shortsighted and simply perpetuates the 'art as commodity' ethos that also drives most of whatever available or dedicated spaces there are, forgetting, ignoring or being completely unaware of the other, more fundamental aspects of art.

In recognition of this development the Manila Metropolitan Museum is organizing an exhibit titled, 'Tipon', that brings together six of these groups from across the country in a show that will highlight the 'collective' or consensual dynamics of these groups. Also, the show will be a venue for “analyzing the value-added role of the organization in individual artistic practice and community engagement.“

Our group, the Lunâ Art Collective, is among those to have been invited to this exhibit.

Yesterday, 11 October, we opened 'Halad', a shrine/installation honoring the memory and work of Atty. Arbet Sta. Ana-Yongco, who, two years ago, yesterday, was brutally gunned down in her own office next door to their house. At the time of her death, she was the combative private prosecutor in the celebrated and continuing murder case against cult leader, Ruben Ecleo, Jr.

In recent years we have been moving as a group and individually towards artistic engagement with issues or concerns that touch on the defense of civil and human rights. This, we believe is the necessary precondition for the practice and appreciation of an arts and culture that is progressive, enlightened, free of fear, bigotry and oppression. We have chosen to act on this belief.

As a result, our art has gone towards the direction of mixed media, site-specific installation and performance. Also, we have developed a dynamics that relies on free discussion, consensus building and active collaboration.

Originally, we had identified other individuals aside from Yongco to honor in what would have been a historical sweep of local champions of human rights. But we quickly realized the logistical constraints in a multi-honor scheme and settled on Yongco as being the most recent of the victims of violence that is plaguing our city.

By honoring her we also wanted to highlight our wider concern against the continuing atmosphere of impunity for murder and other violent crimes. This is abetted, if not assisted by the inability, even lack of interest – beyond the usual lip service -- among the authorities for the solution of such cases and the apprehension of those responsible for such crimes.

We are bringing this concern to the Manila Metropolitan Museum where our voices will join those who are crying for justice in our country. This is not only the cry in the streets. It is also the cry of art.