Arts Appreciation

1st Semester, S.Y. 2018 – 2019

BAUTISTA, Lemuel Glenn C. November 28, 2018

BSN 110 - GED0106-Sec16 Prof. James Owen
Saguinsin

Treasury of religious art pieces museum visit — REFLEXIVITY PAPER

October 27, 2018 — ​My blockmates and I

went to the San Agustin Museum which adjacent to
the San Agustin Church— known as the
Philippine’s oldest church. We went to the church
and museum that was located at General Luna St.,
Intramuros, Manila. The price range of the ticket
was around one hundred sixty (160) pesos as far as
I remember for students. Since we are students of
our beloved Professor JOGS, we are given a
discounted price. Before going to the location, we
struggled finding the place and we searched for it. Astonishing and impressive informations were
found and some of this are the following:
● According to Primer.com (2014), the church was built in 1571 but was instantly
destroyed by a fire twice. The current building was reconstructed in 1587. In
1973, the monastery was converted into the museum. The hallways are lined with
large paintings of saints, approximately 2 meters in height, and the rooms
—which used to be the sleeping quarters of the friars, have various statues and
other art pieces on display.
● The museum was located in the center of Intramuros. The San Agustin Museum
has for over four decades served as the country’s premier ecclesiastical museum.
The museum is housed in the Augustinians’ former monastery, right beside the
 famed San Agustin Church. First built in the late 16th century, the museum
building has undergone numerous renovations over the years, including extensive
restoration after World War II left it in near ruin, and a more recent renovation
(Inquirer.net, 2017).
San Agustin Museum. ​It is a glimpse into the past—
a snapshot of what it must have been like so many
centuries ago. Even walking down the long hallways
sent a shiver down my spine knowing how many
people from different eras, and centuries have passed
the same way. Upon entering, I noticed the majestic
views and structure of the walls. I also have seen the
items, objects, artifacts, and such while roaming
around the museum. To begin with, it was my first
time to see religious images, things, artifacts — a lot
of them which are old, valuable, worth displaying,
and such— inside a museum space not inside a religious space (e.g churches, chapel) where it
should be located and found. I usually see those objects that is commonly utilized inside the
church.
Also, those items have an impact for religious people like me. We tend to have mindset
that those things that are found and commonly used in the
church are God’s instrument for the world— in spreading
the word of God. Herewith, after realizing it is located in a
museum, I found it strange but also at the same time
amazed. I see those things displayed as a product of artwork
with a shade of being sacred
due to the fact that it is still a
consecrated item. Being
exhibited has a great impact
for people’s perception.
Many religious viewers may feel more comfortable seeing the sacred objects of their own faith
tradition inside a church not in a museum. Furthermore, I think the place would be secured and
be sacred because of those objects exhibited.
With that kind of ambiance and location, there are a lot of effects and impacts on the
images exhibited that are put inside a museum space and are removed from a religious space.
Even me as a religious person has changed some of my perspective about this. Here are some of
my opinion to its effects:
1. As for me, it will now be seen— the objects, symbols,
images, and items-- as a work of art.As for me, it will now be
seen— the objects, symbols, images, and items-- as a work of
art. They will be still appreciated but due to the fact that it is
exhibited, it will only be seen and realized as a preserved
object that will be a supporting figure and facts for the
Philippine History— as well as to preserve the story of the
Augustinians friars. as well as to preserve the story of the
Augustinians friars.
2. As they are seen as artworks, they serve as reminder for people that their religion exists
for how many years.
3. The work of art will be an attraction instead of being
hid inside the churches. Based on what I heard, it has a
“wow” factor to tourists while being there.
4. My perception is it is still sacred and a reminder for
people— just like any figurines, items, objects and such
found in our houses.
The museum reminded me of some religious items—
paintings, artifacts, and such— that are found in my grandma’s
house — in the province of Isabela. Since it is an artwork, I
think most of the iconic images or items are re-created and sold
to the market. Consequently, the images are re-created because of its purpose and value to
remind the people— especially those who inclined with art or religious people.
With this kind of activity, my prior knowledge about things were somehow changed. This
was the first time, for me, to critique and appreciate this kind of artworks. This made me think
critically through analyzing the whole visit experiences.