What's Eating You?

Personal Blog | Art Critique

An hour inside the National Museum of Anthropology, Philippines

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Among all the artworks displayed in the National Museum, this painting had struck me the most at first glance. It was Legaspi’s oil on canvas, the “Superstition", 1982.

By chance, the person holding his head got my full attention. And judging by his proportions, I can see that the body is toned and muscular, thus implying that he might be a tough man. Cubism was applied since lines that form the subject are mostly geometric and edged. The colors used are a mix of the different shades of yellow and blue; dark tones and high contrast were used as well. In addition, some shapes were filled with solid colors, and others had gradients and blends. As for its texture, it has a grainy effect that resembles a sand-like environment. With its abstract background surrounding the sides of the painting, the focus is mainly pointed towards the figure in the middle. There was not much breathing space in this painting; it made me feel trapped and suffocated. All in all, my first impression was that it looked powerful yet tormented, capable but afraid.

Superstition, as defined in the dictionary, is a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation. In a simpler description, it is a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck. And here in the Philippines, superstition or what we call pamahiin is very eminent since it has been passed from generation to generation.

With this being said, Cesar Torrente Legaspi might have wanted to illustrate the way he views a person with superstitious beliefs. In my perspective, this could be his interpretation that relates to the human psyche – a man who believes and dwells in such things only buries himself in foolishness and despair, showing great fear of the truth and denial of the reason.

The painting speaks to me as if the man digs further into the depths of his own thoughts, surrounding himself with beliefs beyond logic and rational thinking. As he continues to sink deeply, there he finds ignorance and self-deception. He is stuck, lost, confused, and scared of what’s on the surface, so instead of facing the harsh reality, he keeps himself locked up in this seemingly comforting yet afflicting zone.

I guess, it is not that he cannot get out of it. Actually, he can, only if he begins to let go of irrational thoughts; but he doesn’t want to, and this is due to the viewpoint that the surface is too much for him to handle. He is thirsty for balance and struggles to find reassurance, yet there he finds himself lying in the thin line between the peace and war of the soul and mind.

My entire museum experience, although we came a bit late and only had a few minutes left to walk around, was awesome and extremely fascinating. It was my first, and I loved it dearly.

This painting, “Superstition”, had a huge impact on both my feelings and way of thinking. It has successfully relayed its message, moreover making the viewers feel the intensity of emotions being illustrated.

As Filipinos, the majority of us believe in charms, omens, and luck. We have built a mindset that encloses our daily decisions in pamahiin, making it so hard to say the truth and accept the result whatever the cause is. Sometimes, it’s easier to protect our pride by passing things on superstitions rather than taking responsibility and owning up to our mistakes. When faced with difficult and unexpected situations, we unconsciously rely on reasons that have no proof and validity, because whether one of us admits it or not, the reality is frightening. We tend to imprison ourselves in a room where illusions linger. Although it is widely known that the truth is scary at times, still, make-believe is much more terrifying; it is tormenting.

“Did my first impression change?” No, but this painting did change the way I understand the weight of merely existing, surviving, and living.

#superstition #peaceofmind