Brenda Fajardo's musings on the aesthetics of poverty give birth to a hopeful yet raw portrayal of what life is like for millions in the Philippines
Poverty has long been a problem in the Philippines, its consequences rippling through geographical and social boundaries. This month, nine Filipino creators bring about their experience with poverty through each of their best known platforms: their art.
This February, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET), with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Congresswoman Loren Legarda, brings poverty to the forefront of its art. With its latest exhibition, “Cue from Life Itself: Filipino Artists Transform the Everyday”, MET Manila brings forward works from contemporary artists such as Poklong Anading, Yason Banal, and Alma Quinto.
There is always a fine line to be tiptoed upon when art and poverty intermingle. It's important not to romanticise poverty or to take away the validity of the hardship it brings. Therefore, the medium of such art has to be authentic, as Brenda Fajardo herself believes. The exhibition does not aim to frame poverty for the inquisitive eyes of curators and art aficionados, rather it aims to transform every day objects into something with social value, something that will give people a sharper understanding of the quality of life that comes with poverty.