In recognition of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Month, the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Fine Arts (CFA) hosted the two-week exhibit Crossing Rivers: Indigenous Struggles and Cultural Collaborations (Crossing Rivers). The event was made possible through cultural collaborations with the Dumagat communities in Dingalan, Aurora, the Aurora Artist Residency Program and Space (AARPS), and Creative Australia, the Australian government’s principal arts investment and advisory body.
Crossing Rivers chronicled the journey of the Dumagat people and showcased the evolution of the Adow ne Domaget (Dumagat Day) Festival since its inception in 2018. It highlighted significant moments of resilience and transitions experienced by the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The exhibit featured the artworks of artists Cece Carpio, Carel Mapanoo, and Cian Dayrit, and the shadow play group Karilyo.
“The friendships we forged with the communities sustained our project that led us to this exhibit. This is actually a culmination of our work since 2017. That’s why we are overjoyed and very grateful to the various institutions and individuals that helped in realizing this goal of bringing and finally showing our work here in the University,” said Angela Baguilat, Crossing Rivers and AARPS project manager.
“UPD is in solidarity with the IPs in their fight for their land, culture, and self-determination. We admire the enduring strength, resilience, and wisdom of the indigenous people,” said Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II. He praised their enduring strength and resilience as qualities that are admirable and worthy of emulation.
“Crossing Rivers is an ongoing journey,” said Roselle Pineda, PhD, exhibit curator and artistic director of the AARPS.
At the exhibit, Co-Curator Paschal Daantos Berry shared insights on similarities between the Dumagat community’s experiences and those of the Muruwari tribe from New South Wales, particularly regarding environmental challenges such as river damming.
The exhibit featured performances by community art worker and executive director of the Darwin Arts Council of Australia, Bong Ramilo, alongside performing groups Nagkakaisang Kabataang Dumagat and Karilyo. The groups performed the shadow play Bulaklak ng Dapdap, an adaptation of a Dumagat folktale about the Dapdap tree, a common tree in the Dumagat area.
Following the exhibit, the CFA hosted the launch of Elsewhere: Writings on Art, a book of essays by Lyra Garcellano, a recipient of the 13 Artists Awards from the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2006.
“Garcellano’s research centers on the exploration of art ecosystems and historical narratives, and her output is often presented as installations, paintings, moving images, comics, and writing. She is particularly interested in how prevailing models in the art world impact artistic practice,” the CFA states.
Garcellano said the book is “[a] merging of past and present, of fine arts and art studies. It is a collection of ideas, observations, and provocations.”
CFA Dean Marc J. San Valentin described the book as “genuine and honest”, acknowledging challenges faced by some artists in expressing themselves during discussions.
He appreciated the efforts for the book launch and said “Mahalagang may mga platform tulad ng ganitong book launching para mayroong pag-uusap ang artists at ang public.”
Book reviews were given by Wilson Lumbao Jr., an instructor at the CFA, Judith Camille Rosette, an instructor at the Department of Art Studies (DAS), LK Rigor, student of MA in art studies, and Sofia Guillermo, an assistant professor at the DAS.
Crossing Rivers opened on Oct. 8 at Gallery One of the UP Fine Arts Gallery, while the book launch was held on Oct. 9 at the Gallery lobby. The two-day event not only celebrated indigenous culture but also fostered ongoing conversations about art’s role in social issues.