Acclaimed writer Jose Dalisay Jr. could not have articulated better the modern currency of heroism in the exhibition notes of visual artist Juanito Torres’ new solo show.
“In this age of massive disinformation and orchestrated behavior, where historical truth can run a far second to customized perception, we may need the likes and the forthrightness of a Juanito Torres to remind us of where true heroism resides: in each of us, as ordinary citizens struggling to do the right thing in a society that demand our submission to power, however wrongful.”
Torres lets out his rallying cry in celebration of National Heroes’ Day. He presents in the show, titled The Hero in Our Time, prominent figures in Philippine history as well as the next generation of Filipinos who must follow in their footsteps. The show is on display at Galerie Raphael in UP Town Center.
Renowned for his large-scale historical and surrealist artworks, the artist draws once again from his vast experience as a historian who has worked for different museums. He also takes cue from his aspirations for the country as its citizen.
In Little Heroes (Back to School), Torres depicts students as modern heroes: fighting for education with classrooms as the battlefield and the pandemic as the enemy. In Little Heroes (Ituloy ang Laban), the artist expresses his hopes that the younger generation stands up as the next in line.
Torres likewise illustrates the country’s celebrated heroes such as Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, though not in mere retellings of their heroic moments. Rather, in true Torres fashion, he captures the essence of these revered figures and presents them through the filter of his signature surrealism.
Nakamit na nga ba ang Kalayaan, for instance, shows Rizal and Bonifacio striking their iconic poses. However, in the background reside symbols of persistent oppression, as if daring us, the audience, to ponder if we continue to honor their sacrifice. Are we protecting the freedom they paid their lives for us to have?
He also gathers historical icons, old and new, in powerful frames, such as Mga Ideya ng Pagbabago (The Propaganda Movement) and Mga Bayani ng Rebolusyon. Torres likewise expresses his fears—the outcome when we fail to answer the call to exercise heroism today—in Sana Huwag Mangyari.
The Hero in Our Time opened over the weekend and will run until September 7.
More information is available at 8247-1109 or galerie.raphael@gmail.com.