Cyriel Valeroso | The Capitol
Posted on October 28 | 7:30 PM
“Sama-Samang Titindig” by Giselle Buntan Air dry clay, Latex Paint, Acrylic Paint on Canvas 9x11 inches, 2022.
Photo by Gateway Gallery
“Patuloy tayong manindigan.”
It is one thing for art to evoke emotions; it’s another to spark a fiery passion that is capable of inspiring change. In the instance of artwork entitled “Sama-Samang Titindig,” it is both.
On the surface, the piece is characterized by an off-white background with flesh-colored hands rallied together, building the shape of the Philippine archipelago as every single one religiously reaches towards the audience viewing it. All except for one that is firmly holding the flag, waving its boldly highlighted nationalistic colors that streaks across a portion of the canvas.
The brain behind this thought-provoking work is a 21-year-old architecture student from Bulacan State University named Giselle Buntan. Threading the line between reality and surrealism, Giselle, as a rising mixed-media artist, was inspired to create this artwork in hopes of capturing real-life emotions based on the recent turnout of the national elections.
At an early age of 8 years old, Giselle’s early experience that contributed to her discovery of art was her father teaching her brother how to draw. Sooner on she grew fond of pursuing an artistic career and continued to hone and grow her skills in the present, integrating her biggest advocacies and goals through meaningful works that she created throughout the years.
When given the chance to bloom in her artistry as she trends within the digital sphere along with her work being featured in the Map to Freedom exhibit, Giselle chose to spread hope and determination in hopes of portraying her nationalism through a symbolistic piece.
“Nais ko pong iparating sa mamamayang Pilipino na ito ang sumisimbolo sa mga mamamayang tumindig para sa mithiin ng muling pagbangon at pagbabago. Pilit na inaabot ang liwanag na tatanglaw sa pag-asa upang ganap na makalaya sa dilim ng nakaraan; at hindi na hahayaang takpan muli ang liwanag ng pag-asa para sa ating bayan. Patuloy na ilalaban ang karapatan na magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan. Sama-samang magmamahal sa bansang sinilangan.” she muses.
Though some tend to describe the piece as “disturbing” and on rare occasions receive negative remarks, Giselle claims that she chooses not to be affected by these comments “Art should comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable,” as quoted by her.
In addition, she acknowledged how these reactions serve as a reflection of the effectivity of her message. Emphasizing that triggered reactions to her artwork only helps spread awareness on the current issues happening in the country. “Hindi lamang ako ang nakakakita ng katotohanang nangyayari sa Pilipinas,” she said.
In this pivotal journey of her artistic career, Giselle leaves an encouraging message to inspiring artists like her of inciting change through the creative means of art. Whether the instances and advocacies differ, art remains the same. It stays as a powerful means to voice out the concerns of the Filipino people. “Dahil marami tayong nabibigyang boses sa larangan ng sining.”
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