The Exhibition: An Artistic Remembrance

The exhibition, held at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, opened its doors on February 13, 2024 — featuring paintings by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Diosdado Lorenzo, Nena Saguil, and Galo Ocampo. These artists’ works serve as a visual narrative of the city’s turmoil and eventual recovery, providing a poignant lens through which visitors can experience the Liberation of Manila.

“Art has the power to transcend time, to give voice to the voiceless, to capture history not as cold facts but as lived experience,” said MaryKay Carlson, US Ambassador to the Philippines. “The four powerful works in this exhibit, created by some of the Philippines’ most celebrated national artists, serve as a visual testament to the past. They remind us of the shared sacrifices, lives lost, and profound stories that must never be forgotten.”

“Art has the power to transcend time, to give voice to the voiceless, to capture history not as cold facts but as lived experience.”

— US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson

This collaboration highlights the enduring partnership between the United States and the Philippines, a bond forged during World War II and strengthened by shared democratic values and cultural heritage. Just as the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II prompted reflection and reckoning in the United States, the loss and subsequent rebuilding of Manila has a similar significance for the Philippines. Looking at these paintings serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of freedom and democracy, values both nations hold dear.

Similarly, World War II saw an influx of European artworks into American museums, enriching the cultural landscape of the United States. This exhibition parallels that legacy by enriching Americans’ understanding of Philippine history and resilience during a tumultuous period.

The Key Artworks

The four paintings on display not only showcase the destruction wrought by war but also the resilience and rebirth of Manila. Each painter’s unique perspective offers a comprehensive view of the city from 1945 onward. These artists’ collective portrayal offers viewers a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war and the human spirit’s capacity for recovery. Considering a different example, such as the rebuilding of cities in Europe or Japan after their respective wars, it’s clear this renewal efforts also fostered economic growth and revitalization.

Fernando Amorsolo: “Burning of Sto. Domingo Church” (1942)

This painting captures the devastating fire that raged through the historic Sto. Domingo Church during World War II. Completed in 12 months and originally built in 1588, the church was one of the first structures destroyed by Japanese bombers. After relocation, it was relocated to its current site in Quezon City. Beyond the national significance of these sites, they stand in contrast to the ongoing preservation of World War II landmarks in the United States, which encourage tourism and historical education.

Galo Ocampo: “Ruins of the Legislative Building” (1945)

For his part of the narrated destruction, Ocampo paints a ruined legislative building, serving as a Japanese stronghold during the war. Now transformed into the National Museum of Fine Arts, it highlights the city’s rebirth and recovery efforts. Comparatively, imagine Pearl Harbor’s transformation from a site of devastation to a historic landmark honoring American resilience.

Diosdado Lorenzo: “Ruins of Sales Street, Quiapo” (1946)

Lorenzo’s painting depicts the devastation of a once-vibrant neighborhood known for its lively markets and historic architecture. Today, Quiapo remains a beloved district, a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.

Nena Saguil: “Ruined Gate of Fort Santiago” (1949)

Finally, Saguil’s abstract work captures the collapsed gates of Fort Santiago, highlighting the resilience of the walled city. Its rebuilt gate symbolizes Manila’s ability to rise from its ashes, much like iconic structures such as Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate or New York’s Statue of Liberty, which stand as enduring symbols of resilience.

The Importance of Historical Remembrance

Beyond the immediate artistic and historical significance, this exhibition also underscores the ongoing importance of remembering the sacrifices made during World War II. The artworks serve as a visual chronicle of the war’s impact on a civilian population, providing a human face to historical events often remembered through statistics and abstract doctrines.

For Filipino-Americans and American veterans, this exhibit holds distinct significance. It offers a deeper connection to family history and national heritage. For the broader American public, it underscores the sacrifices of allies abroad and reminds all to remain vigilant in preserving democratic values. This act of remembrance stands in parallel to initiatives such as Holocaust education in American public schools, which emphasizes the importance of bearing witness and learning from history.

“The works you see here now are historical visual accounts—some of them first-hand—of the battle that was. It is the honor of the National Museum of the Philippines to have such significant treasures in its collection, and it is our further honor to share them here at the Manila American Cemetery. Together, we bear the responsibility of commemorating the struggles and victory of those who valiantly fought for our great nation’s freedom and the continued brotherhood of the Philippines and the United States.”

The works you see here now are historical visual accounts—some of them first-hand—of the battle that was.

—From National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns

Practical Applications and Future Prospects

The exhibition also opens up opportunities for educational institutions to engage with this rich historical context. High school history classes and university art history programs could design curricula around these artworks, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of war and the enduring capacity for human resilience. Importantly, integrating diverse perspectives in American classrooms reflects a growing movement towards an inclusive educational landscape.

Although original, these practices tied closely to nonpartisan groups like the Vanishing History Projects, which works tirelessly to preserve small-town history in the United States.

The global community, too, has much to learn from this exhibit. Historical memory and sites of remembrance play a vital role in shaping identity and community. As more cities and nations look back on their own experiences of war and recovery to learn lessons applicable to today’s conflicts, this exhibit stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the past while striving towards a peaceful future.

Exhibit Details and Viewing Information

The exhibit “Liberation of Manila: 80 Years of Remembrance through Art” will be on display until February 25, 2024, at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Visitor Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the cemetery is the largest overseas American military cemetery in the world, offering an ideal setting for reflection and remembrance. Guided tours, including for schools and large groups, are available upon request.

Conclusion

That fought bravely for freedom, and the enduring bond between the Philippines and the United States. As visitors walk through the exhibit, they are encouraged to reflect on the broader themes of war, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. While the physical destruction caused by war is often highlighted, the exhibition underscores the resilience and capacity for recovery, reminding us of the positive outcomes that stemmed from global cooperation and support.

The works remind of the shared sacrifices, lives lost, and profound stories that must never be forgotten.