SA PALIBOT
Madge Cafe
La Paz Public Market
Iloilo, Philippines
Exhibition: 20 Jan. - 6 Feb. 2022 (extended)
Sa Palibot (The Surroundings) is a tribute to the hard-working individuals who form the backbone of my community. This collection of fauvist portraits is not just an exploration of color and form, but a celebration of the ordinary, often overlooked people of Iloilo. From the weaver to the tricycle driver, each piece reflects the vibrant, raw, and simple beauty of everyday life.
I chose Madge Café, a humble spot in La Paz Public Market, for my first solo exhibition because it perfectly embodies the spirit of my subjects. Here, art meets the people it represents. It was important for me to make art accessible—taking it outside the confines of galleries and museums and into the heart of the community. This way, those who wouldn’t normally seek out art have the chance to engage with it, to see their own stories reflected back at them.
Through oil, pastel, and acrylic, I aim to capture not just the physical likeness of these workers, but the energy and life that surrounds them. Immersing myself in their world allowed me to transfer that vitality into my works, offering a glimpse into the colorful tapestry of Ilonggo life. There is beauty in the ordinary, and Sa Palibot is a celebration of that.
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PUBLICATIONS
Manila Bulletin (2022). Portraits of Iloilo’s working class at no-frills café by Tara Yap.
Daily Guardian (2022). Sa Palibot – Portraits of the Hoi Polloi by Martin Genodepa.
