Philippine History and Technology Combine in Sining Saysay

This M family was fortunate to still see Sining Saysay: Philippine History in Art, which is now on its second year run. The exhibit showcases 30 paintings of Philippine history that spans from the Spanish era to the recent presidential administrations.

While the paintings by 28 artists, including National Artists Abdulmari Asia Imao and BenCab, are fascinating for their varied styles and rendition, what differentiates this art exhibit is its use of technology, presenting history in Augmented Reality (AR). As the event poster says, ‘witness our nation’s past come to life’. 

As you look at each piece, notice that some paintings have the Layar logo, a free app meant for an interactive AR experience. I suggest downloading this on your mobile phone or tablet before your visit. When you spot the Layar logo below the painting description, point your Layar installed gadget on the painting and wait for a second or two to scan the image. The static image will not move, but it will show related video clips. For instance, in Martial Law in the Philippines by Adi Baen-Santos, the accompanying clip is the black and white television broadcast of Ferdinand Marcos declaring martial law on September 23, 1972. In this collaborative art and history project of the University of the Philippines (UP), UP Alumni Association, and Araneta Center, Inc., the public is treated to a spectacle that goes beyond what one sees in a painting. Your viewing experience is enhanced and you gain a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject.  The project proponents want to engage the public in a continuous discourse in Philippine history. This is a laudable contribution in building a sense of history, which is important in forging nationalism. For example, Ang Pagdating ng Tao sa Pilipinas brings us back to our origins. Galleon Trade by Jonah Salvosa marks the initial friendship between the Philippines and Spain that later on turned to the colonization of the Filipinos by the Spaniards. Compare and contrast if you want the paintings of our presidents and their accomplishments: Diosdado Macapagal, Carlos Garcia, and Ramon Magsaysay in one, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada by Michael Velasco in another, and Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III in a single frame. History of Labor in the Philippines by Neil Doloricon celebrates the heroism of the Filipino worker.

Turning our heads from one painting to the next and with the added AR element, in an hour or so, we catch a glimpse of what we have gone through as a nation. Hopefully, it prompts us to think and reflect, “Where are we headed for this time? Where do we want to go?”
Sining Saysay is open everyday, 10am to 7pm at the Gateway Gallery, 5^th level of Gateway Tower, Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City. We went there via MRT, got off at Cubao station, and walked up to Gateway Gallery. Admission is free. For more info, kindly check their Facebook page.