OBRA 19: The Cusp in Between
A novel energy buzzed amidst the still white walls and serene atmosphere of the Ayuntamiento De Gonzalez auditorium, and it came to leave a mark. As part of their annual exhibits, this year’s showcase is like no other, the Visual & Performing Arts Production Unit’s (VPAPU) welcomed OBRA19 last April 29.
“OBRA19: The Fool, You Never Walk Alone” showcased a collection of the phases that we undertake as we teeter on the turning point of our teenage years towards the disconcerting transition to adulthood that awaits us in the fall.
The Fool’s Beginnings
“We wanted to relate ‘yung OBRA19 sa pagiging nineteen at sa mga struggles na kinakaharap natin sa life at this particular age. May iba’t ibang phases at may iba’t ibang bigat,” said VPAPU’s Executive Vice President for Academics, Franz Maverick Vicedo, when asked what the vision for this theme’s exhibit was. Executive Vice President for Planning & Research, Angela Bano, affirms that the 19th year of the exhibition reflects the peak point of teenage years as well. For most, 19 is the age of slowly crossing the borders to adulthood.
The inspiration behind this year’s exhibit was drawn from the first card from the tarot deck, the fool. Vicedo believes that it marks the beginning of the discovery of new things and the accumulation of new experiences. He added that having a lust for life is almost a universal experience at this age, and that we shouldn’t feel like we have to walk alone in this journey.
They maintained that just like the fool, we should embrace the novelty that these encounters bring to us at this tender age. Each station holds a significant message to the audience, and as we bear witness to this exhibit, we are also guided by the intentions that the artists had in mind during the creation of their pieces.
The Cusp of Our Youth
The first artwork that captured my attention was “Semilla”. The title, a Latin word meaning “seed,” immediately drew me in with its dual symbolism—both the literal planting of a seed and the metaphorical connotation of seeding thoughts or desires. The artwork explores the essence of lust, delving into the primal instincts that often surface during adolescence.
I was greeted with a piece named “Shattered Reflection” that invites its spectators to navigate what it means to be fragmented. While approaching the mirror, I saw my reflection splintered into countless shards, each one revealing a different facet of myself. This artwork felt like a metaphor for the inner turmoil that often accompanies self-discovery. It prompts its audience to recognize that growth often comes from facing our deepest fears.
As I moved forward with the exhibit, I stood before Semilla. I was reminded of my own early adolescence—a time when emotions ran high and curiosity about the world, and especially about sexuality, seemed endless. True enough, the artwork’s depiction of lust and temptation admittedly struck a chord, evoking memories of those intense feelings of attraction and the allure of instant gratification. It was a reminder that these urges, while natural, can lead to consequences that shape our lives in unexpected ways. The piece invited me to reflect on the balance between desire and restraint, as well as the need for open discussions about sexuality and relationships.
The exhibit took on a brighter tone as I entered the section featuring “How’s It Growing?” This artwork, filled with an array of flowers in various stages of bloom, offers a comforting message: we all have worth, regardless of our condition. The symbolism of flowers resonated with me. It was a poignant reminder that life doesn’t always go as planned, but there is beauty in the struggle. The artist’s use of flowers to symbolize the stages of life encouraged me to embrace each moment, even the difficult ones. How’s It Growing? reminded me to find joy in the journey, learning from my mistakes and continuing to grow, no matter the setbacks.
The artwork “Once Upon a Time” took me on a journey of nostalgia and change. It tells the story of a boy who once thought he knew his path, only to discover that life had other plans. The feeling of being held back captured me as I looked at this piece. The struggle to find the right path, and the eventual realization that there was light at the end of the tunnel—all these experiences felt familiar. It reminded me of how even when we stray from our original plans, there are always new opportunities waiting to be discovered, as Chariza Orale, VPAPU’s Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Membership, underscored in her response to The HERALDO FILIPINO’s interview.
The artwork “Nasa Lipunan ang Awa, Nasa Sarili ang Gawa” holds a powerful message about the importance of community and giving back. Bano explained that the artist’s inspiration for this particular piece, stemmed from their involvement in the revolutionary movement and the fulfillment they got from giving back to the Filipino community. The artwork reinforces the idea that personal growth often comes from selflessness and compassion. It calls for action, urging its audience, myself included, to engage with the world, not only centering ourselves.
Then pulled into a labyrinthine maze, “Unravel the Knots” is a complex piece that represents the feeling of being stuck. The intricate web of knots seemed to encapsulate the frustrations of everyday life—the sense of being frozen in place, unable to see a way out. It was a reflection of the times when I felt overwhelmed by routine, when the mundane was increasingly becoming emphasized and the in-betweens felt like it stretched farther than usual. Despite the sense of entanglement, the artwork also holds a message of hope. The knots, though complex, could be unraveled with patience and perseverance. This piece encouraged me to embrace the journey, to find ways to move forward even when it seemed impossible, much like how Vicedo fondly told us that it should remind its spectators that progress often starts with accepting where we are and taking small steps toward a better future in his interview.
A New Voice
VPAPU proudly presented the product of collaborative efforts between their artists and the talented youth from Bahay Pag-asa, one of the many beneficiaries of this exhibit. Vicedo highlighted that this collaboration was an important aspect of their vision for the exhibit, as it allows these aspiring artists to have a platform to express their voice and showcase their talents together with the support of the organization.
The pieces that these new voices from Bahay Pag-asa and the Marillac Hills – National Training School for Girls (NTSG) were a refreshing addition that tied everything together. This partnership was not only a testament to the exhibit’s commitment to community engagement but also an inspiring demonstration of the transformative power of art in the lives of young people who have faced significant challenges. The artworks contributed by the youth from the two beneficiaries bring an authentic and often raw perspective to the exhibit. Each piece reflects their personal journeys—stories of hardship, resilience, and the search for redemption. By including the contributions of these young artists, the OBRA19 exhibit extended beyond the traditional boundaries of an art gallery. It became a platform for social change, fostering a sense of community, and emphasizing the importance of giving back. The collaborative efforts with Bahay Pag-asa and Marillac Hills – NTSG underscored the idea that art is not just a form of expression, but also a means of healing and connecting with others.
Through these, the exhibit highlighted the importance of supporting and nurturing the talents of troubled youth, providing them with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. The artworks from the beneficiaries are a reminder that everyone has a story to tell, and that art can be a powerful catalyst for positive change
***
From engaging installations to vibrant artworks, with some created through collaborative efforts, the auditorium was immersed in a creative journey of self-discovery and the challenges that come with being nineteen. VPAPU has established themselves as a platform that always thinks outside the box, and with the success and the attention that OBRA19 has captured, there is more to come with their succeeding exhibits.
Photo slider by Eurieca Tan
