Cover Bagong Alamat 2 installation by Kidlat Tahimik
Bagong Alamat 2 installation by Kidlat Tahimik
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Here’s what you can expect at Kidlat Tahimik’s latest iteration of his monumental installation work
Commemorating the 503rd anniversary of the Battle of Mactan, the UP College of Fine Arts and the UP Fine Arts Gallery welcomed National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik with an exhibition of three installation works. Aptly named, Indio-Genius! Tatlong Alamat ng Tagumpay tells the story of a historical event that triggered a culture of local and indigenous resistance to colonial rule. The art exhibition is on display at the UP Fine Arts Gallery until May 23.
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Above Indiogenius! Tatlong Alamat ng Tagumpay
Indiogenius! Tatlong Alamat ng Tagumpay
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The exhibition dives deep into the cultural struggles of the Filipino people. With a long history of being colonised, Tahimik uses indigenous materials, traditions, and narratives to shed some light on the persistence of cultural imperialism and neocolonialism. Through these counter-mythologies and alternative stories rooted in Filipino folklore, he challenges the viewer to reclaim narratives of resistance.
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Above Kidlat Tahimik at the exhibition
Kidlat Tahimik at the exhibition
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The three installations by Tahimik are part of his previous exhibitions from 2021 to 2023. The UP Fine Arts Gallery presents these works as the Bagong Alamat series in its latest modification. Themed around defeating colonialism, Tahimik showcases artistic renditions of the indigenous people fighting off colonial ideas. Bagong Alamat 1 features the Ifugao Goddess of the Wind, Inhabian, blowing down the Hollywood Goddess of the Wind, Marilyn Monroe. Bagong Alamat 2 focuses on preventing the Trojan Horse of Hollywood from entering our shores with a tsunami of protectors. Finally, Bagong Alamat 3 has Lapu-Lapu’s wife, Bulakna, striking down Ferdinand Magellan with an arnis stick.
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Credits
Images: Viggo Sarmago
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
