Goth in Visayan Art

CEBU, Philippines - Goth is a punk subculture that portrays dark, bland, and grey as fashionable. It gives an excuse for the “dead” to rise again. Because of its apparent darkness and its love affair with anything horrifying and of the underworld, it has been unfairly accused as Satanic.

In the world of arts and fashion, it has gained a following. Not because it represents something negative, but more because it represents freedom. And maybe perhaps, our world is just full of depressed and mentally ill patients (32 percent for government workers in the country, said the Philippine Psychiatric Association) who find comfort at seeing works that represent their state of mind.

Last March 15, Carolinian and mix media artist Florence M. Cinco unveiled his latest work entitled Tunhay at the Bluewater Gallery in Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort. His concept was to revive ancient Filipino traditions which he calls as the Maharlika culture. And his work reeks of Goth, every piece of it.

“Tunhay means everlasting. This is a reminder that we should not forget our roots as Maharlikas (royalty),” he said.

The theme is obvious – dark and deadly.

Take Tahas for example. Here, the artist bonded two skulls and decorated the top with bolts. He said that the work reflects the ancient practices of Maharlikan shamans who used skulls to invigorate themselves.

Another work that reflects the artist’s gothic interpretation of ancient Filipino culture is Pamugaw, a mask made of wood depicting an ancient warrior. He said that the mask is worn to drive away evil spirits, a practice, which the artist claims to be prevalent in Northern Luzon.

Ironically, Cinco defines his art as microvita (literally translates to small life) art, which he said was conceived first through meditation. This, perhaps, could also be the reason for the meditative quality of his works. Most of his paintings take advantage of the mystery of space and emptiness to induce the mind to think, reason, and meditate.

“Space is freedom,” Cinco said. “It develops spirituality.”

An award-winning piece, Uusa, depicts the connectedness of the world, according to the artist. The whole canvass is covered with bolts and metal except for a small space on the left side which he colored red and the bottom border which perhaps would represent earth. Or could it be a road leading to nowhere, and the metal canvass, the sky reflecting the sun’s radiant glow?

Tunhay, on the other hand, is a collection of several works that can be grouped, mixed and remixed, to create a unique series of metallic artwork. Well, that’s just the frame, but the main focus of the works in this series, in itself, is a piece of bolt, a piece of metal, or other junk item that he has embedded in the middle of nothingness.

And then there is Pagtirig-um, which is stretched leather with bolts stuck in the middle.

For Cinco, the works that he displayed in this collection reflects the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Filipino people. For me, it simply reminds us that the richness of our culture rests on the richness of our imagination and our ability to reflect on life’s events. Our culture is about freedom – the freedom to do things, the freedom to say things, and the freedom to indulge in whatever style, philosophy or art form.

This love for freedom makes Goth an important cultural heritage. Not in its barbarity, viciousness or sheer darkness, but for the freedom that it represents.

For more information on Cinco’s works, the artist can be reached through his mobile at (0918)223-9429. The Bluewater Gallery can also be reached at (032)492-0100 local 512 for schedules of exhibits and other art events.?