January 29, 2009

Going nowhere

I took this photo early last year but didn't want to post it then because I hadn't yet posted a photo of our ubiquitous jeepney, which plays a large part in the painting. Since I finally have, one in November and one in December, I can finally post it. Titled "Jack en Poy," this oil painting by Filipino artist Alfredo Esquillo Jr. was part of the 2008 "Tutok Kargado" exhibit of the Ateneo Art Gallery. The exhibit had a decidedly political flavor, and this piece exemplifies it. "Isang dyip tayo," the text on the ribbon, literally means "we are one jeepney." "Dito–doon" is "here–there." Cockfighting is a popular Filipino betting sport and roosters are a common jeepney hood ornament. "Jack en Poy" is what we call the paper-scissors-rock game—notice the balloons—because of the rhyme we recite when we play it. The rhyme ends with the line "he who loses is the monkey." I think this painting is a great commentary on Philippine society and politics. Guess who loses.

Jack en Poy, an oil painting by Alfredo Esquillo Jr.

21 comments:

  1. pennyJanuary 29, 2009 at 9:41 PM

    Great painting. Thanks for the lesson... I like to learn about different cultures ;)

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  2. OlivierJanuary 29, 2009 at 9:42 PM

    l'emblème est très beau, j'aime bien le coté sépia en contrasme avec le coté couleur

    the emblem is very beautiful, I like the side in sepia contrasme with the next color

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  3. abcJanuary 29, 2009 at 9:42 PM

    Very interesting, funny and maybe little bit sad post. Nice piece of art.

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  4. HalcyonJanuary 29, 2009 at 9:52 PM

    Interesting painting and thanks for the history lesson too!

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  5. MoJanuary 29, 2009 at 10:44 PM

    So much of society is reflected in games. Wonderful painting

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  6. LoisJanuary 29, 2009 at 11:07 PM

    This is a beautiful painting and I love all the background information you provided!

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2009 at 11:36 PM

    I enjoyed reading this post. And I liked the photo you took of the Dito Doon.

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  8. Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.comJanuary 29, 2009 at 11:39 PM

    very interesting and thanks for the information as it makes even more unique

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  9. UnknownJanuary 30, 2009 at 1:39 AM

    The painting is really cool and your information makes it even more interesting!

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  10. robJanuary 30, 2009 at 3:02 AM

    I like this painting a lot. The two figures are bidimentional but, thanks to those shadows, they are in a 3d enviroment. Very interesting work of art.

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  11. GeorgeJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:16 AM

    Thanks for a very interesting and informative post.

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  12. MaritesJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:27 AM

    i like it and the story behind it:) interesting!

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  13. Steve BuserJanuary 30, 2009 at 11:35 AM

    I love your "lesson" -- languages have always fascinated me.

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  14. HZDPJanuary 30, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    This is interesting, Hilda, love the story.

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  15. KunterbuntJanuary 30, 2009 at 8:23 PM

    How interesting. We know the paper-scissors-rock game, too.
    http://cologneblog.wordpress.com/

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  16. lunarossaJanuary 30, 2009 at 9:46 PM

    This is unusual and interesting. It's so great to find out about another contry's culture through its art. Thanks, Hilda. Ciao. Antonella

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  17. Stevenson QJanuary 30, 2009 at 10:32 PM

    Hilda! I missed your blog! Grabe It has been two months since I posted! Grabe and It feels refreshing to see your post! Napaka meaningful!

    Hope you see my comeback post! God Bless yah!

    Steven^^

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  18. Debbie Courson SmithJanuary 31, 2009 at 1:00 AM

    Well, that took some explaining - thanks for interpreting.

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2009 at 5:32 AM

    That's a fantastic painting - I love the sepia/colour contrast between the two halves.

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  20. Joe NarvaezJanuary 31, 2009 at 9:10 AM

    Ang galing ng konsepto ng larawang iyan! Panalo!

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  21. PJFebruary 1, 2009 at 2:01 PM

    Hilda, you always have something interesting going on. You packed a punch with this one.

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