Republic of the Philippines

CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

BARILI CAMPUS
Cagay, Barili, Cebu City, Philippines
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Phone: +6332 513-0641/ 516-1742

An Art Analysis of
The Bird Seller (1976) by Vicente
Manansala

Submitted by:
Augustin P. Tapinit
Ana Mae Ponseca
John Kyle Cañares
Reinz Laurence Tolentino
Chadel Rose D. Gumandoy

Submitted to:
Nelia S. Alterado
Instructor
1. Who is the artist? Where did he come from?
The artist of the painting was named Vicente Manansala. He was a
Filipino cubist painter and illustrator. He came from Macabebe, Pampanga-
born and 1981 National Artist for Painting, Vicente Silva Manansala was the
son of Perfecto Manansala and Engracia Silva. He spent his childhood in
Intramuros, Manila and grew up with fellow artists Antonio Dumlao and Jose
Alcantara. 

2. In the year 1976, what significant historical event happened that could have
contributed to the message of the painting?
One significant historical event that happened in 1976 which could
have contributed to the message of the painting "The Bird Seller" by Vicente
Manansala is the proclamation of martial law in the Philippines by then-
president Ferdinand Marcos on September 21, 1972. The proclamation of
martial law brought about a period of political repression and human rights
violations, which had a profound impact on Philippine society and culture. It
led to the curtailment of civil liberties, the suppression of dissent, and the
censorship of the media and the arts. Against this backdrop, artists like
Manansala were forced to grapple with the role of art in a society under
authoritarian rule. "The Bird Seller," which depicts a man selling caged birds
on the street, can be interpreted as a commentary on the restrictions on
freedom and the suppression of dissent that characterized the martial law
period. The painting can be seen as a metaphor for the loss of freedom and
the caging of dissenting voices in a society under authoritarian rule. It also
reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of ordinary people in the face of
adversity, as the bird seller continues to manage a living despite the difficult
circumstances.
Overall, the message of "The Bird Seller" can be seen as a reflection of
the social and political context in which it was created, and a testament to the
enduring power of art to inspire and provoke in times of political upheaval.
3. Based on your prior knowledge what elements were used in the painting?
The elements used in the painting created in a Cubist style.This art style
involves the superimposition of shapes and colors. Moreover, while the
painting is flat, two dimensional composed of basic geometric shapes the
overlap of straight and curved lines and rigid triangles and round shapes and
as the birds intersperse and overlap in the cages, their colours shift to
produce varying faceted planes and even within the skin tones of the bird
seller and in the hues of his hat and other than that the artwork evokes a cool
feeling.
4. How does the painting reflect our community?
Vincente Manansala's painting "The Bird Seller" is a representation of
everyday life in the Philippines during the mid-20th century. The painting
shows a man holding a cage full of birds. The picture can be interpreted as a
commentary on the problems and sufferings faced by the middle class in the
Philippines at that time in terms of how it depicts our community. The bird
seller himself can be considered as a depiction of the working-class person
trying to make a living. The brilliant colors of the birds and some of the
people's traditional attire in the painting are further indications of how dynamic
and beautiful Filipino culture is. Also, the painting has a contemporary and
innovative quality because to the usage of cubism. Ultimately, "The Bird
Seller" provides a window into a certain period of Philippine history and can
be viewed as a mirror of the joys and hardships of daily living in our
neighborhood.

5. What value(s) is/ are portrayed in the painting? How were you able to identify
the values?
The Bird Seller depicts the life of many Filipinos, the simplicity of life.
But despite the simplicity, the diligence, courage and passion for life is
overflowing. Each of the painted images is significant, first is the hat worn by
the man which served as his shield from the heat of the sun. This is proof that
no matter how hot the weather is, no matter what the challenge is, there is a
way to overcome it. Second are the birds that the man carries on his
shoulders, which he sells. It may symbolize his burdens in life that he carries
alone in this world. But on his journey there are people who will buy birds to
help lighten what he is carrying. There is a saying that no man is an island
which means no one is truly self-sufficient, everyone must rely on the
company and comfort of others in order to thrive. And it is gratifying to think
that many Filipinos have care and love for each other, which this country
really needs to be prosperous.