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:

penny said...

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

Olivier said...

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

abc said...

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

Halcyon said...

Interesting painting and thanks for the history lesson too!

Mo said...

So much of society is reflected in games. Wonderful painting

Lois said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

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

Unknown said...

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

rob said...

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.

George said...

Thanks for a very interesting and informative post.

Marites said...

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

Steve Buser said...

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

HZDP said...

This is interesting, Hilda, love the story.

Kunterbunt said...

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

lunarossa said...

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

Stevenson Q said...

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^^

Debbie Courson Smith said...

Well, that took some explaining - thanks for interpreting.

Anonymous said...

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

Joe Narvaez said...

Ang galing ng konsepto ng larawang iyan! Panalo!

PJ said...

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