3 months in Manila

Statement

Jose Rizal (1861 – 1896) is the national hero of the Philippines.

He was a versatile genius; an architect, artist, businessman, cartoonist, educator, economist, ethnologist, farmer, historian, inventor, journalist, linguist, musician, mythologist, naturalist, novelist, surgeon, propagandist, psychologist, scientist, sociologist, theologian and poet.

How many countries in the world can claim a poet as their national hero?

In 1887, Rizal wrote his daring book, Noli me Tangere, a satirical novel exposing the arrogance and despotism of the Spanish clergy. Then in 1891 a follow up novel titled, el Filibusterismo, more fearlessly proclaimed these injustices.

He provoked the animosities of the Spanish officials. and charges (of producing anti-clergy pamphlets) were fabricated against him, resulting in imprisonment at Fort Santiago in 1892. This precipitated a period of forced political exile, which sharpening an intelligence, humility, sincerity, an un-daunting courage and determination to uplift the welfare of his native people.

When the Philippine revolution started in August 26, 1896, he was linked with the revolt and was once again imprisoned. It was while he was in a prison cell that he wrote an untitled poem, now known as Mi Ultimo Adios, which expressed a great love of his country, and its people.

After a mock trial, Rizal was convicted of rebellion, sedition and of forming illegal associations. On a cold December morning at Bagumbayan Field in 1896, the 36 year old Rizal (along with the rebels of the Katipunan) were shot.

Cynically, many Philippine intellectuals believe the mythology of Rizal is merely an American imperialist construct created to undermine Spanish colonial interests, but like the war memorials that have been erected in the civic centres of Australian towns, statues of Rizal clone themselves across the Philippine archipelago.

This exhibition, 3 months in Manila, is a diarist exploration of a place, at a given time, from the observances of a temporary visitor.

The works on exhibition were produced as a result of a residency offered under The Art Exchange Program 2006 – 2009 of the Memorandum of Understanding between La Trobe University and Ateneo de Manila University. It is supported by The Philippines-Australia Studies Centre (PASC) in Australia and the Philippines-Australia Studies Network (PASN) in the Philippines.

3 months in Manila is dedicated to the rich tapestry of humanity that comprises the Manila ethno scape. Reference is also made to the lyrics of Brittney Spears and to the karaoke traditions that give voice to the city.