WITH A line-up that boasts of 32 artists representing four generations of Thomasian education, Kulô is celebrating UST’s Quadricentennial anniversary as well as National Hero and fellow Thomasian Jose Rizal’s 150th year at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) from June 17 to August 21.
Included in the exhibit are Andres Barrioquinto, Zeus Bascon, Lawrence Borsoto, Con Cabrera, Buen Calubayan, Ronald Caringal, Clint Cabulan, Mideo Cruz, Alfred Esquillo, Joey Ibay, Pochoo Goitia, Lindslee, Michelle Pauline Lim, Meneer Marcelo, Leobensant Marquez, Marcushiro Nada, J. Pacena II, Epjey Pacheco, Oliver Ramos, Iggy Rodriguez, Ivan Roxas, CJ Tañedo, Jose Tence Ruiz, Joseph Saguid, Mark Salvatus, Team Manila, Jomike Tejido, Wesley Valenzuela, Lydia Velasco, Ronald Ventura and Constantino Zicarelli.
“We were able to tap a good number of artists for the show. They acknowledged the invitation. The important thing is the representation,” said Pacena, a visual artist, curator, music video director and College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD)alumnus who further added that the project is a product of artist initiative.
Pacena, along with College of Fine Arts and Design professor and freelance curator Jocelyn T. Calubayan, originally conceptualized Kulô a year ago to gather Thomasian artists and celebrate UST at 400. This independent reunion-exhibition eventually paved the way for reigniting the discourse that Rizal started through his literature when CCP invited the collection of artists to mount a show for the institution’s “Rizal’s 150th Birthday Bash,” which includes tributes from the visual art scene.
The all-Thomasian exhibit features traditional works on canvas, multimedia installations and graphic art. Aside from showing the survey of contemporary artists who have remained active up to present and have made their mark in their respective genre-styles, Kulô also bridges the generation gaps by allowing the artists to modernize Rizal for the youth.
“It’s about presenting discourse through art. It’s about saying what you want to say…revolution in your own right,” the female Calubayan said.
Like most of the activities in “Rizal’s 150th Birthday Bash,” Kulô aims to shed some contemporary light on Rizal’s image and make him interesting to the youth.
Most of the works do not actually show Rizal but, they definitely reflect his ideologies. Kulô spotlights the empowerment that the National Hero bestowed upon the Filipinos before he surrendered to the Spanish conquistadors.
Kulô reminds Filipinos that it was Rizal who inspired them to seek freedom, which was taken from them during the Spanish occupation. If this could be instilled to the youngsters, the legacy that “Pepe” left to the people will be appreciated and will remain relevant for generations to come.
More importantly, Kulô does not only hold the substance and continuity of discourse in high regard, but also stresses the importance of the company the conversation brings. This company, in turn, ushers in the celebration.
“We wanted to celebrate with the school. Para sa UST ito. Para sa CFAD ito, noon at ngayon,” Pacena said.
