I, father of the
painter, note that what Dennis Montera,
head of the National Committee on Visual
Arts (NCVA), says at the opening of the solo exhibit, is a good summary
of Ille Imperium’s intentions: “fostering innovation and societal improvement
through art.”
MB
Lifestyle says (15 July 2024, Manila Bulletin, mb.com.ph):
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA) Gallery unveiled the "Ille Imperium" exhibit (of) Filipino
contemporary visual artist Paul Hilario
on July 6. Laya Boquiren, curator
of Ille Imperium, shared a few points about the exhibit. Dr Dennis Montera… “encouraged visual
artists to submit proposals for the NCCA 2025 Competitive Grants, emphasizing the
commission's commitment to fostering innovation and societal improvement
through art.”
Yes, we can view my
son Paul’s “Ille Imperium” paintings as “fostering innovation and societal
improvement through art.” I know Paul is conservative in real life but not when
it comes to paintings: among others he borrows from impressionist painters
Paul Gauguin (French) and Vincent Van Gogh (Dutch). (I happen to
love impressionism myself.)
MB Lifestyle says about Paul Hilario’s
paintings not only in that exhibit (15 July
2024, Manila Bulletin, mb.com.ph):
Hilario’s works are known for their satirical take on
the nation’s current challenges, addressing themes such as governance, societal
decay, and corruption. "Ille Imperium" is a reflection of our times.
Through his visual narratives, Hilario invites viewers to confront critical issues
and reflect on the nation's journey. His art serves as a mirror to society,
urging contemplation and dialogue about our collective future.
On the word, Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org) says:
Imperium originally meant absolute or kingly power – the
word being derived from the Latin verb imperare (to
command) – which became somewhat limited under the Republic by the collegiality
of the republican magistrates and the right of appeal, or provocatio, on the
part of citizens.
Curator Laya Boquiren Gonzales says (MB Lifestyle,
above cited):
The exhibition features fourteen paintings and two
installations, each bearing Hilario's unique approach to figuration and
palette.
On Facebook, the NCCA
says:
Paul Hilario's solo exhibition offers a satirical
exploration of a nation in decline. His visual allegories are thought-provoking
meditations on the state and its governance. The artist prefers to wage his
battles through symbols, which are enigmatic provocations that elicit contested
responses from different people. The narrative of an ailing government echoes
through our collective memory, a stark and urgent reminder of the cyclical
pattern of inequity, violence, and patronage politics.
“Satire
exploration,” “narrative of an ailing government… inequity, violence and
patronage politics…”
For the good of the Philippines, our country, my son Paul
engages in symbols; his father engages in blogging, with an image or two for
each article. Visual artist, creative writer – both God-believers, aspiring to
inspire Filipinos, both indefatigable:
"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work
as though everything depended on you." – Saint
Augustine.@517
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