“I BELIEVE may
responsibility ang artist sa iya community,” shares veteran Ilonggo artist and
activist PG Zoluaga.
Known for his
advocacy-driven works, the Pinoy Icon 2011 - Juan Luna awardee opened his
newest solo show entitled “Habitat” on Saturday at gallery i in Iloilo City
Proper.
“Derived from the Latin word
‘habitare ‘which means it inhabits, habitat refers to the natural environment
in which an organism or a population normally lives,” explained Zoluaga.
“This series attempts to
show a drastic way of understanding ecological issues, drawing attention to
mother earth’s destruction… primarily caused by human activities.”
Presented in three striking
colors, the pieces in the “Habitat” series resemble wounded topography seen
from the sky, all pining environmental undercurrents and seeking to stimulate
the audience’s senses.
In “GREEN HABITAT,” Zoluaga
maps out verdant tableaus stained with the murky colors of pollution and
industrialization. “These are abstract presentations of the remaining greens of
the land which help sustain life on earth,” the artist shares.
The 1998 Philippine Arts
Awards Jurors' Choice winner offers a cautionary tale in “Black Habitat” – with
gashes slashing through the canvas, in black as dark as coal.
“I want to awaken awareness
sa mga tawo, to stir up and shake them to realize ang sitwasyon natun subong,”
relates Zoluaga. “Supposed to be kita ang stewards of the earth, pero kita pa
ang gaguba.”
However, the artist and musician
furthers that “Habitat” is not solely tackling themes of environmentalism and
conservation.
“It appears to be
environmental pero there is a deeper message. I wanted to address a pressing
issue in an environmental way, para hindi siya tama ka gulpi. It’s a subtle way
of presenting it,” he relates.
In “RED HABITAT,” Zoluaga
digs deep to unearth “the destructive effects of war, intolerable atrocities on
innocent lives, and human brutality.”
“I chose red to be the
center of the presentation because, it is something that directly affects us
all right now,” he explains.
At the center of the exhibit
is a large standing piece splattered with what resembles blood and bruises,
unto which images of carnage and cruelty are projected as the sound of gunshots
cuts through the gallery every few minutes.
“I want the show to be a
reminder of the harsh realities we face today,” said Zoluaga. “Ang role ko diri
is to merely be a medium so people can reflect on what is happening in our
country right now and encourage them to react.”
“‘Habitat’ is a call to
action. It’s an extension of my advocacy.”
A University of the
Philippines Diliman and University of San Agustin alum, Zoluaga is both a
visual artist and musician. He was the the 1999 Philippine representative to
the ASEAN Arts Awards in Hanoi, Vietnam, and had the 1998 Best Entry in the
Centennial Painting Competition of the Art Association of the Philippines.
Photos courtesy of Eric Barbosa Jr. and ATMOS.PH.
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