Comparative Analysis of Spoliarium and Mallarium: Significant artworks delved and shaped by the transitions in time

              An art, mediated by its own language and symbols, signifies and conveys ideas, feelings and concepts deeply within the work more than one can easily perceive. Shaped by the artists’ particular and unique approaches, a work of art may exhibit various definitions and interpretations. Dictated by an artist’s time, a work of art may wave and raise certain issues in society which may either be easily manifested or deeply concealed within the masterpiece.

              Critically, acclaimed Spoliarium, one of the Philippines’ finest and most prominent work of art, undeniably disclosed lots of issues and somehow raised awareness among Filipinos of his and today’s time. Some were not that directly shown and thus, a thorough understanding and analysis of Juan Luna’s time are highly recommended. Though, Spoliarium is not that obscure like other artworks of his time, the theme of its “moving story” depicts a relatively significant idea. To firmly grasp the idea Luna incorporated in his work, the elements involved in his masterpiece should be well understood.

              We, Filipinos tend to give meanings to our fellows’ works in the context of nationalism and attainment of freedom from submissiveness. This might be because we have been under many superpowers in the course of our development and progression as an independent nation. Evident in the Spoliarium what had therefore inspired Luna. Conceptualized and completed during Spanish colonial times, Spoliarium appeared to be a nearly apparent metaphor for the condition of the Philippines that time. The principal image is that of the Roman soldiers dragging the dead and dying gladiators across the ground towards a heap of bloody carnage. Symbolically, the latter mentioned character represents Filipinos under Spanish powers. Filipino gladiators were those insignificant Filipinos serving the Spaniards as slaves. The man wearing white robe is a Spaniard despoiling or stripping of the belongings and valuables of the dead and dying gladiators. This represents greedy Spaniards taking advantage of weak and dependent Filipinos. In the painting, the man is collecting gold bracelets likewise in the reality controlling Filipinos and their properties as well.

              Surrounding the principal image are characters exhibiting different emotions and effects on the painting’s theme. Next to the Spaniards pulling the gladiators are two old men who appeared as if they can no longer wait to get some “blood” from the prizefighters supported by their belief of its rejuvenating power. In our context, this portion represents the colonizers’ patience of waiting for their strong subjects’ death before an action of selfish purpose is initiated. At the rightmost portion are two old women desperately looking for the bodies of their loved ones, hoping that they can still find them. This shows how hard it really was during their time when victims’ bodies declared to be dead were no longer recovered. We, Filipinos, have developed this strong faith and hope that after all these inhumane events, there will be a light that will brighten up our outlooks and perceptions in life. That seed of firm hope strengthened our fellows during their time. The spectators represent the Spaniards who did nothing but to cheer for their bets, for their selfish and acquisitive desires to see and watch Filipinos suffer and die. A noticeable woman in green is also present with her back turned grieving over a loved one. She gives then the touch of Luna’s mother nation, Philippines.

              Going back to Luna’s time, it appeared that works should fit the taste of the superiors and should be in line with the standards of classical arts. In an aim not get disqualified, Luna made used of white (complexion) men in his masterpiece and cited a very prominent scenario in Spain and some parts of Europe.

              In brilliant but controlled coloration, a collaborative work Mallarium stirred up striking comparison with Luna’s Spoliarium as the latter’s digital transposition. It made use of Luna’s concept of figurative and compositional elements. It appeared then that this modern artwork served as means showing transformation of media from that of Luna’s to this age of digital technology.

              Both artworks exhibit the wonders the elements of art can offer. Diagonal lines which are dominant appeared to be associated with Luna’s objective of pointing out the direction of the principal image towards the carnage. Comparatively, the color of Spoliarium is relatively dark giving it a cold impression and appearance of heaviness. Bright colors used in Mallarium convey activeness and advancement (as in technology, as well).

              With regards to the texture, Spoliarium is somewhat rough in line with the classical antiquity in most of the paintings during that time. Mallarium, on the other hand, is fine and smooth as any inkjet products are. In terms of dimensionality, the original exhibits 3-dimensional appearance. Forms and figures were shaded and the contours of the subjects seemed to have been darkened. The Mallarium with its very vibrant designed objects appeared to be flat and 2-dimensional.

              Time, periods and state of affairs have something to do with the artists’ development. Transitions in time dictate and shape the ideas and concepts of an artist. Luna’s Spoliarium started and completed in the context of the reform movements lead by Filipino expatriates serve as a direct representation of the condition of the Philippines under the Spanish colonizing power. Mallarium on the other hand, obviously was influenced by the present mallgoing culture and frame of mind as suggested by its name. Gladiators are the main or principal images in Spoliarium as those also used to be the main means of entertainment during that time. The emotions incorporated can be felt intensively as heavy and full of fear. The whole holds a darkly mood where you have to search each of the objects in the painting to understand it. Figures and objects are not that apparent and conspicuous giving Luna’s work of timelessness.

              Contours in Mallarium’s figures and objects were based on those in Spoliarium. Following the context that persuaded it, subjects used were in line with the modern means of entertainment in the Philippines, something that has become a pop culture of the time. Modern era offers a lot more entertainment of varying emotions presented in this transposition. To mention some, Superman and disco party can be seen in the work. It is very clear that digital adjustments added more flavour and enhancement to this transposition.

              Generally, both works of art visualize their specific social commentaries using the elements of arts and design effectively. Both are trying to convey and arouse interest and involvement of the people to act upon an issue. For Luna’s time, it would be hard to act for what it is right due to a very complicated situation in the country but for our generation when no one is manipulating us, the righteous and ideal society should be imposed. As for any artwork, they deserve moments of discussions, debates and expositions so as to develop within us Filipinos critical thinking and the values and principles that had shaped and will shape our country.

John Mark Katindig Torres