LESSON 9: THEMES and SUBJECT MATTERSubject
Represents what we see, smell, taste, or touch.
Can be "representational" or "figurative" (opposite).
Theme
Connects subjects to their "social milieu."
Goes beyond the literal meaning.
Concepts of HEROISM and IDENTITY
Rizal Monument (1913)
Landmark monument and mausoleum.
Original title: Motto Stella (Latin: "guiding star").
National Competition (1905)
1st Prize: Carlos Nicoli.
2nd Prize: Richard Kissling.
Calamba, Laguna
Home to Rizal's largest statue (26 ft).
Statues and busts of Rizal across the Philippines:
81 provinces
144 cities
1491 municipalities (as of 2015).
68 Rizal statues/busts outside the Philippines in 24 countries.
Themes of HEROISM and ECOLOGY
Rizal as an environment advocate:
Purchased land in Dapitan.
Assisted farmers with marketing.
Built a dam.
Species Named After Rizal
Draco Rizali:
A critically endangered flying lizard.
Notable for its unique ability to glide from tree to tree using its elongated ribs and skin flaps.
Found primarily in the forested areas of Mindanao.
Rachophorus Rizali:
A species of frog, also named in honor of Rizal.
Known for its vibrant colors and distinct mating calls.
Plays a significant role in local ecosystems as both predator and prey.
Apogonia Rizali:
A beetle species named in 1897 to honor Rizal's contributions to science.
what does
This species, like others named after Rizal, reflects his legacy as a polymath and advocate for biodiversity.
Notable Figures
Jose Rizal:
35
Leonard Co:
56 (Polymath, trilingual, musician, botanist, poet, "comic").
Walong Filipina Exhibition
By Liongoren Gallery, honoring Co and Rizal.
Featured installation art from UP Diliman contributors.
Environmental Campaigns
No to Plastic movement led by Romeo Magsalos with the "Zero Plastic Bag and Styrofoam Campaign" in Marikina City.
Goldie Poblador's initiative with jars representing waste and flora.
Spirituality, Ecology, and Everyday Life
Emphasizes the interaction between spirituality and ecological practices.
Geographic and Cultural Context
Kumbento: School, parish priest's quarters, office in Mahatao, Batan Island (99% Roman Catholic).
San Carlos Church affiliations.
Jay Ticar's Contributions
Maintains an archive of blank books and two boats (tataya).
Describes Vanua: a natural corridor linking land and sea.
Traditional Practices
Mataws: Traditional fishers.
Dorado/Arayu (Coryphaena Hippurus): Golden bellied summer fish, referred to as "Ginto ng Dagat".
Additional Locations
Diura Valugan port and Valugan Beach in Batanes.
Kakaywan: Inner forest environment.
Themes and Subject Matter in Art
Subject: Represents sensory experiences (sight, smell, taste, touch). Can be
"Representational" (realistic depiction)
"Figurative" (abstract representation).
Theme: Links subjects to their social context, enhancing the meaning beyond the literal.
Heroism: Explored through monuments like the Rizal Monument, and recognized figures like Jose Rizal.
Ecology: Celebrated in Rizal's environmental efforts, showcasing species like Draco Rizali and Rachophorus Rizali named in honor of his legacy.
Cultural Context: Highlighted through geographic traditions and local environmental campaigns.
Notable Figures: Includes Rizal as a polymath and others honored for their contributions to art and ecology.