...the paintings

Paintings evoke nationalist sentiments among Dutch Pinoys

by Loui Galicia

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

06/28/2011

A painting of Rigor Esguerra featuring Filipino street vendors. by Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

THE NETHERLANDS – The paintings displayed at an art exhibit in The Hague, Netherlands evoked nationalist sentiment and nostalgic feelings among Filipinos in the country.

The creative canvases that hung on the wall of the Muzee Scheveningen were very colorful.

But up close, goose bumps and heavy emotions were felt by many of the Filipinos who looked at the paintings.

The paintings are part of the exhibit on "Filipinism, what makes art Filipino?" of the Philippine Embassy and the Kunst Gallery, which made a tour of several European cities.

The exhibit featured the works of 5 Filipino painters.

The paintings by Max Balatbat, Erick Dator, Ronna Manansala, Vincent Christopher Gonzales and Rigor Esguerra brought back memories of the Philippines among the Dutch Pinoys who are long-time residents of The Netherlands.

The hit of the exhibit was "Batang Baler" Esguerra, with his paintings depicting the typical life of a street vendor and street food.

"Nakakatuwa kasi... you go on a sentimental journey. Brings back memories of your childhood and that daily life in Manila. I thank this artist here," said Philippine dance diva Becky Garcia.

Esguerra explained that he wants to show the importance of Filipino cart vendors, who contribute to the good of the country in their own little way.

Esguerra said that for a few coins, the common street food will be able to feed a hungry soul who does not have enough means.

"Yung dati na nakikita nila sa Pilipinas, tulad ng pagtitinda ng chicharon, samalamig at tubig, Marlboro cigarette, then balot. Tapos dito naman yung mga cart vendor ng fish ball, banana que, mais, toknene, 'yan ang karaniwang kinakain ng mga Pinoy," said Esguerra.

For abstractionist Balatbat, his theme is deep and intense as he aimed to show the beauty of his hometown Caloocan, which has a reputation of being a haven for prostitutes and bad elements.

"Inspirasyon ko dito kagaya netong mga patterns na to. Top view ng mga shanties sa lugar namin. Yung mismong lugar ng mga puta. Pagtinignan mo para syang tela, pinagsapalsapal na tela. Kinuha ko yun sa pagsasama ng inspirasyon ko yung mga puta, pagsasama ng mga panty ng mga puta," Balatbat said.

According to Balatbat, one should not judge a place by it exterior.

One only needs to look more closely into the hearts of its residents and see the smiles on the faces of the people living there in order to see its real beauty.

Yet again, he refers to his beloved Caloocan.