CEBU, Philippines – Tribalism is defined by Merriam Webster Online Dictionary (m-w.com) as tribal consciousness and loyalty, especially exaltation of the tribe above other groups. This trait is very common among Filipinos, most especially Cebuanos, the reason why we have a name for it: regionalism.
In art, tribalism could mean a piece with an ethnic touch like percussion-rich music or a painting that one would usually relate to as caveman art. Tribal art, however, need not be Neolithic as it can be just as modern as a Picasso. On second thought, perhaps what we refer today as modern might not be so modern at all. Who could say that realism isn’t modern art or that abstractionism is ancient?
Last April 16, Leopoldo Aguilar, Jr. opened his 7th solo exhibit at Gallery Q (Phone: 345-6919) dubbed Primal Gestures, featuring his newest works that explore the future of tribal art.
Aguilar, a consistent Joya Awardee and founder of the Neo-Tribalism Movement in Cebu and Iligan, said that the artworks of tribal people in the Philippines is very mature, evolving directly to abstractionism using geometric figures, not like its Western counterpart which delved too much on figurative art and realism.
He cited the ancient Pintados of the Visayas who uses complex linear designs in painting their bodies. “Even now, in Northern Mindanao, some groups still practice this,” he said.
Primal Gestures highlighted the evolution of tribal art as perceived by the artist. In his works, we could see the trademarked geometric shapes and linear designs woven into something like psychedelic art, with virtually all the colors of the rainbow represented. But what may be new to this kind of work by Aguilar is the presence of figures that can only be human.
One such work, which I find very interesting, Bound, speaks of man’s spirit of competitiveness. Here we see hundreds of men trying to outrun each other to the top of the heap, and eventually through a hole, which may symbolize power, depending on how you’d interpret the piece.
The painting is full of color, the artist leaving no paint unused. Even the frame was not excused and now is an integral part of the work.
Another piece with highly discernible human figure is In the Hands of Magbabaya, which the artist said is his tribute to God’s will and the environment. “It is about how man uses the resources given by God. That man is given the free will to use it as they wish,” he said. “But ultimately, it is the Creator who decides on man’s fate.”
Aguilar said that just like ancient tribal artists, his work is governed by spontaneity. “Sometimes I don’t know what to make of my work until it is finished,” he said, adding that he refuses himself to be bound by themes because it would limit his art.
Aguilar, who is now based in Manila, said that his entry into the art world was just right, as it was at this time when people started to embrace modern and tribal art. He said that most of those who buy his pieces are people looking for modernistic art that would go with the interiors and architecture of their place. For this reason, he revealed that he did not have any hard time finding a buyer for his pieces. Come July, Aguilar will once again launch an exhibit, but this time it would be at White Wall Gallery in Makati City.
For more information on the artist and his works you may visit his website at www.neo-tribe.com or email him at leoag@yahoo.com.