A FACULTY member of the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) mounted the works of National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin and Filipino composer Julio Nakpil in an exhibit at Ayala Museum last May 20.
Mary Ann Bulanadi, who teaches interior design in CFAD, curated the exhibit along with Faye Cura, a researcher from the Filipinas Heritage Library. Bulanadi is also the curator of Bahay Nakpil-Bautista in Quiapo, the Nakpil museum and ancestral home.
Titled “Revolutionary,” the exhibit features copies and excerpts of Joaquin’s literary works and Nakpil’s composition worksheets.
“We collected [Nakpil and Joaquin’s] pieces and memorabilia and from there we decided how the exhibition should go about,” Bulanadi told the Varsitarian.
The exhibit, which also honors Nakpil’s 150th and Joaquin’s 100th birth anniversaries, highlights the historical relationships of the artists’ works.
“Although they were born in different eras, their works were able to contribute in [visualizing] and remembering the old Manila,” Cura said.
Presented in a mural depicting a blueprint are excerpts of Joaquin’s works such as “The Woman Who Had Two Navels,” “The House on Zapote Street” and “The Language of the Street.” Slang words from his essays are painted on jeepney signboards scattered on the painting.
Joaquin received an honorary associate in arts degree from UST.
Also displayed are copies of Nakpil’s composition sheets including “Pahimakas,” a song he wrote after the execution of Jose Rizal.
“Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan” and “Pamitian,” a song inspired by the lives of the remontados, the Filipinos who sought refuge from the mountains to escape Spanish persecution, are also featured.
“Revolutionary” will host a series of talks on the works of Joaquin and Nakpil.
Alexandra Chua, associate professor at the UST Conservatory of Music, and former National Commission for Culture and the Arts chairman Felipe de Leon Jr. will lecture on the musical compositions of Nakpil on June 3.
Raul Sunico, former UST music dean, will render Nakpil’s works along with Jeffrey Solares and the Manila Symphony Orchestra in a performance on June 16.
The exhibit, held in line with International Museum Day, runs until July 23.
Photos by Ma. Alyssa Adrienne T. Samonte
