ALAY LAKAD (1999)

By Ferdie Montemayor
Pinto Art Museum

Write your art analysis using the following guidelines:

a. Composition of the artwork (genre, style, elements, principles, theory of

art, etc.)

Genre: A historical painting artwork with a contemporary art theme that highlights the
cultural, and religious themes, community, and identity of people. It can also be
classified as social realism because of artistic practice or social events in the Philippines
which focuses on the Filipino religious tradition, making it a powerful piece within the
social realism movement.

Style: An expressionism style that captures the spiritual and emotional feelings of the
event. Based on the artwork, it evokes intense emotions and distortion. With bold colors
and surreal imagery, artists in this style aimed to convey feelings and thoughts to
the world.

Elements: When it comes to Color, the artist used darker shades (red, black, brown,
and orange) to convey the warmth and intensity of the event. The bright, almost golden
light at the center contrasts with the darker surroundings, emphasizing the focal point.
The Lines are dynamic and guide the viewer's eye towards the central shrine. The
converging lines of the crowd create a sense of movement and direction. While the
Shapes are mostly organic, representing the multitude of human figures. The central
structure is more geometric, standing out as a center of attention. The Texture appears
rich and varied, suggesting the roughness of the crowd and the surrounding
environment. When it comes to Space, there is a strong use of depth, with the dense
crowd in the foreground leading towards the diminishing structures in the background,
creating a sense of vastness.
Principles: The composition is asymmetrical, with the crowd densely packed around
the central shrine. The Balance is achieved through the strategic placement of key
elements (the people, church, and houses). There is a stark Contrast between the
illuminated central shrine and the darker, more subdued crowd, emphasizing the focal
point. In the Emphasis principle, the central shrine is the primary focus, highlighted by
its brightness and central placement. The Movement, the lines, and the arrangement of
figures create a strong sense of movement, guiding the viewer's eye toward the center.
In Unity, despite the complexity, the elements come together harmoniously, unified by
the common theme and color palette. Other than that, the repetition of human figures
and structures creates a Visual Rhythm, leading to the central focus.

Theory of Art: The painting tells a story of communal devotion and pilgrimage,
engaging viewers with its rich, cultural narrative. You can see that this piece is analyzed
through the theory of expressionism. The central illuminated structure symbolizes hope,
faith, and spiritual fulfillment, serving as a beacon for the community. It's a powerful
example of contemporary expressionism since it allows viewers to engage with the
emotional and spiritual dimensions of the experience.

b. Artist’s life and intention of creating the artwork.

Based on Ferdie Montemayor: It is an early piece he did in 1999 as a part of his

"Bayan" series, called "Alay Lakad." This 60 by 62-inch oil painting was created on
canvas. It captures the spirit of "Alay Lakad," a yearly custom of Filipino Catholics
commemorating during Holy Week.

It symbolizes a pilgrimage of devotion and sacrifice undertaken by devout Catholics in

the Philippines. As he is one of the residents of Antipolo, Rizal, He has had the privilege
of witnessing this procession year after year. So, the dedication, humility, and resilience
displayed by the participants in their walk of sacrifices deeply inspired him.

His goal is to accurately portray what he observes and experiences. In “Alay Lakad,” he
adopted a bird's-eye view to capture the majesty of this important tradition. Antipolo,
situated above nearby Metro Manila, holds particular significance as the location of the
Antipolo Cathedral, formerly known as Antipolo Church. This cathedral is home to the
revered Nuestra Señora de la Paz, or Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

He added that the Catholics flock together to the Antipolo Cathedral to attend mass and
seek blessings for safe travels abroad and other wishes. Through “Alay Lakad,” He
strives to encapsulate the spiritual depth and cultural richness of this cherished tradition.

c. Describe the Event/Period (political, natural, historical, economic, cultural)

the artwork was created and how the artwork relates to that event? Was it
supporting that event or opposing it? *Note: if no available data from the
web, describe the event from the work of art itself based on your own
perspective.

Event/Period: "Alay Lakad" by Ferdie Montemayor was created in the setting of

contemporary Philippine society, where people's lives are greatly influenced by their
religious and cultural traditions. The painting reflects a longstanding catholic tradition of
Filipinos, marked by events such as the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila,
where millions of devotees participate in an annual procession. This period is
characterized by a mix of modern challenges and traditional values, where the socio-
political landscape includes issues such as political instability, economic disparity, and
the resilience of cultural practices amidst rapid modernization.

Political and Historical Context: The Philippines has a rich history influenced by
Spanish colonization, which introduced Catholicism to the country. This religious
influence is deeply embedded in Filipino culture, politics, and daily life. The country has
also faced significant political turmoil, including martial law under Ferdinand Marcos, the
People Power Revolution, and other events that have influenced the collective
consciousness of the people. I believe that this painting likely reflects a post-martial law
of the Philippines, striving to balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting
to contemporary societal changes.

The artwork is undoubtedly supportive of the event it portrays. It celebrates the faith,
perseverance, and communal spirit of the people on the pilgrimage. By capturing the
fervor and devotion of the crowd, Montemayor highlights the positive aspects of this
cultural practice—its capacity to unite people together, provide a sense of purpose, and
strengthen their cultural identity.

d. Your Own Subjective Interpretation. Among all the artworks you’ve seen in
that museum, why choose that specific artwork? What did that artwork
spark in you? Write about your feelings, meaning, message, personal
biases that affect your judgment, etc.

Honestly, this is not my first choice for an artwork to critique because I found something
else that initially captivated me—a beautiful garden-style piece. However, upon entering
a new room, Montemayor's "Alay Lakad" immediately captured my attention, drawing
me in with its vibrant energy and profound sense of community. This artwork stirred
memories of my grandfather and grandmother, who were deeply devout and
participated in similar pilgrimages. Their unwavering faith and the way they found
strength in Jesus and the community resonated deeply with this artwork. To me, the
artwork conveys a powerful message about the importance of faith and community in
human life. It reminds us of the significance of shared rituals and traditions in binding
people together.

We all know that if we have a problem or going through in life, we always ask for the
guidance and protection of God. It reminds us how powerful prayer is and the comfort
we find in spiritual activities. I believe this tradition will never fade from Filipino Culture,
as it embodies the enduring spirit and resilience of our people which is a source of
support and unity.

I love how the artist emphasizes the central shrine which symbolizes hope, a beacon
guiding individuals through their spiritual journeys, reflecting the idea that faith can
provide direction and purpose. The crowds of people surrounding the church represent
not just physical presence but symbolizing that we are all in this together. We shared
beliefs, values, and experiences that we will always have in our hearts.

The artwork also suggests that in times of hardship, people find strength and solace in
their faith and each other. It highlights the importance of tradition and continuity,
showing how cultural practices are passed down and preserved through communal
participation.

e. Still Your Own Subjective Interpretation. What story is the artwork telling?
Does it have any cultural relevance? What does it say about our identity?

Ferdie Montemayor's "Alay Lakad" is more than just a visual representation; it is a

narrative of faith, community, and cultural identity. It captures the essence of a
significant Filipino tradition, emphasizing the values and qualities that define the Filipino
people. Through this artwork, viewers gain insight into the rich cultural heritage and the
enduring spirit of the Philippines. This is related to Quiapo Church during the holy week
season, where thousands of devotees are united and touch the statue of Black
Nazarene. They go here because they believe that God’s presence and power are more
intense in this shrine, the same thing here in Antipolo. The artwork highlights the cultural
reverence of religious traditions. And this cathedral is the first international shrine in the
Philippines and during the pilgrimage season, thousands of people flock to this place.
Also, one of the messages of the artwork is that despite having a large crowd, enduring
the heat of the sun in the Antipolo Cathedral, we still managed to attend and participate
in this event. It demonstrates how faith is a source of strength and guidance, and how it
is intertwined with our everyday life. It provides a window into the values and spirit that
define Filipino Identity. The painting serves as a testament to the enduring strength of
community, faith, and tradition in shaping and preserving the cultural heritage of the
Philippines.