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Ang Petroglyphs NG Angono 2015 by Marco Ruben Malto II
Ang Petroglyphs NG Angono 2015 by Marco Ruben Malto II
In “Ang Petroglyphs ng Angono”, artist and University of the Philippines Fine Arts
professor Marco Ruben T. Malto II exhibits his representation of the endangered
engravings, on view from Nov 12 - Dec. 11, 2015 at the UP Vargas Museum and
Filipiniana Research Centerr. Panel paintings simulating the Angono Petroglyphs
provide the backdrop for the artist’s interpretation of the etched linear outlines
by referencing relevant historical and more current images. The artist weaves his
own representation of the supernatural explanations about the rock engravings,
as he continues to explore the talisman as an art theme. Whether through “similarity”
or “contact”, the artist may well be attempting his own form of sympathetic magic
through symbolic illustrations on the large-scale paintings.
Previous and ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the Angono Petroglyphs often involve demys-
tifying the 127 discernible figures carved on a horizontal distribution in the 25-meter long and 3-meter
deep portion of the rockwall. These late-Neolithic cave engravings, either of anthropomorphic or
zoomorphic forms, have gained considerable recognition since their discovery by National Artist Carlos
“Botong” Francisco in 1965. Such appreciation, however, has not necessarily translated into sufficient
support to preserve this National Cultural Treasure. While significant research, documentation and
other efforts are ongoing, this exhibit is but one attempt by the artist to promote more public interest in
the petroglyphs of Angono in his hope to secure more needed support to preserve the archaeological
heritage.
Kung may tasitong nais sambitin ang una’t nag-iisa, so far, na petroglyph sa bansa at ang mga petroglyph
ni Malto ay ang biswalisasyon ng nakaraan at kasalukuyan ay nagsasaad din ng biswalisasyon
ng hinaharap. Tumaya ang mga ninuno ng isang lipunang malaya sa sakit at pagdurusa, na may sagana
at ginhawa. Ang kay Malto ay gayundin, isang pamayanan, bansa, at mundo na may pagkatanggap
sa naiiba, may patas na kalakaran, at may mas magandang bukas kaysa sa kasalukuyan.
Pero sa kasalukuyan ni Malto, ang mga diskurso muna ng kontradiksyon at kontestasyon.
Walang kapayapaan dahil wala naman talaga sa aktwal na pagdanas. Matingkad ang mga pakikipagtung-
gali at ang kasaysayan ng mga familiar na imahen. Nagbabadya ang mga petroglyphs ni Malto
ng alternatibong bukas sa maigting na kasalukuyan. At ito ang biswal na oralidad na inaatas
sa tumutunghay: ang muling akdain ang binibigkas ng mga petroglyphs.
Kung matuto lang tayo muling makinig.
12 Nov—11 Dec 2015
Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center 3rd Floor Landing, University of the Philippines Diliman
ARTIST TALK MARCO RUBEN T. MALTO II
3F Landing, Nov 26 (Thurs) 2015 at 10 AM
MARCO RUBEN T. MALTO II © 2015