Cover Norberto Roldan
Norberto Roldan
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Revolution isn’t always an act of warfare—Know what esteemed artist Norberto Roldan has to say about it
Recognised as a renowned artist within the Southeast Asian community, Norberto Roldan takes his skill and imagination to New York for his first US solo exhibition under Silverlens. Titled How Not to Win a Revolution, the exhibition explores how social, political, and cultural conditions shaped Roldan’s homeland while uncovering the works of a profound cultural practice.
“My exhibition is a post-colonial hang-up. While other formerly colonized countries in Southeast Asia and elsewhere have moved forward with better economies and remained culturally resilient, the Philippines is still waging revolutions and remains frozen,” shares Roldan, reflecting on his New York debut.
More from Tatler: Silverlens announces two exhibitions for April featuring the works of Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Stephanie Comilang and Simon Speiser
Above Norberto Roldan, Pasión y Revolución 04, 2024, fabric assemblage with 19th century amulet vest, hand dyed fabrics, amulets, and Philippine demonetized centavo coins
Norberto Roldan, Pasión y Revolución 04, 2024, fabric assemblage with 19th century amulet vest, hand dyed fabrics, amulets, and Philippine demonetized centavo coins
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How Not to Win a Revolution connects the threads of Filipino history through four phases. First, Reynaldo Clemeña Ileto’s seminal study of popular movements in Filipino history, Pasión y Revolución, illustrates the role of religion in rallying the Filipino masses during the 1986 People Power Revolution. Roldan then transitions to the recent past with the Born Again Revolution, revealing a shift in revolutionary fervour as the Christian Charismatic Renewal Movement gains traction. Suddenly, the revolution was no longer about toppling an oppressor—it evolved into a metaphysical struggle.
Above Norberto Roldan, Incantations in the land of virgins,monsters, sorcerers and angry gods, 1999-2018.
Norberto Roldan, Incantations in the land of virgins,monsters, sorcerers and angry gods, 1999-2018.
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The third phase has Roldan questioning present-day concerns, such as the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea. Using Chinese blankets from his hometown of Roxas, Philippines, he meshes together ancient poetry with modern significance—staking claim to uneasy waters to embody a revolution through words. Finally, his series of embroidered works capture some of the earliest iterations of Roldan’s 25-year exploration of the medium. Featuring vibrant patadayongs from Capiz infused with the epic chants of the Panay Suludnon people, these artworks are a homage to a community that resisted colonialism for over 300 years. As the artist makes their heritage heard, it’s being threatened by escalating ecological and economic encroachment.
How Not to Win a Revolution is a testament to the resiliency of the Filipino people, exploring past and present, coloniser and colonised, sacred and profane, Roldan challenges history’s victors and invites viewers to see new social, political, and cultural possibilities.
Above Norberto Roldan
Norberto Roldan
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For the past 40 years, Roldan has significantly altered the cultural landscape of the Philippines. In 1986, he established Black Artists in Asia, an artist collective that brings progressive artists outside of political affiliations together. In 1990, he started VIVA EXCON (Visayas Islands Visual Arts Exhibition and Conference), the region’s longest-running and artists-led biennale. Now, Roldan serves as the artistic director of the Green Papaya Art Projects and frequently partners with rural and indigenous communities to foster collaboration and cultural exchange among Southeast Asian artists.
How Not to Win a Revolution will be on view at Silverlens New York from May 2 to June 15.
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Credits
Images: Silverlens Gallery
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.
Work
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.
