By Museo Nacional de Antropología, Madrid
Xyza Cruz Bacani and Geloy Concepcion
Logo of the cycle "Let's Turn Around the World" (2019) by Laura LimónOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
At the National Museum of Anthropology we are repeating Magellan's voyage during the V Centenary of the First Round the World Voyage (2019-2022), stopping to learn about the current situation in some of the territories through which the expedition passed.
1887 Exhibition (1887) by J. Laurent y Cía.Original Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Philippines now
In the fifth stop of the cycle we stop at an exhibition that gives voice to the current Philippine society, as opposed to the image offered by the museum's collections from the General Exhibition of the Philippine, Caroline and Mariana Islands, held in Madrid in 1887.
Lona (2022) by María Luisa Casas SanmillánOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Two guest photographers
The museum has proposed to Xyza Cruz Bacani and Geloy Concepcion to tell us through their lenses what Philippine society is like today. Their works offer us a contemporary, suggestive and attractive vision of the Philippines in the 21st century.
Xyza Cruz Bacani
Xyza (Bambang, 1987) gained international renown by documenting the 2014 protests in Hong Kong. In 2015 she moved to the USA, on a fellowship at the Magnum Foundation for Human Rights. Since then, she has achieved great recognition in her work as a documentary photographer.
Project Ugnayan (2020) by Xyza Cruz BaconiOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Project Ugnayan
The Ugnayan project shows the work of Caritas volunteers in depressed neighborhoods in Manila. According to Xyza, "they teach us every day that a small act of kindness can have a big effect".
Sto. Nino de Baseco (2020) by Xyza Cruz BaconiOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Sto. Niño de Baseco
Sto. Nino de Baseco parish priests and altar boy bless the community during the Holy Week procession in the evening.
Ruby's family (2020) by Xyza Cruz BaconiOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Ruby's family
Ruby stands in a shared area with her 9 children outside of their home in Parola.
Easter in Baseco (2020) by Xyza Cruz BaconiOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Holy Week in Baseco
Parish priests and altar boy from Sto. Niño de Baseco chuch marches in the Holy Week procession.
Cristal Joy (2020) by Xyza Cruz BaconiOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Cristal Joy
Crystal Joy plays with a toy while sitting on her mother’s lap in Smokey Mountain.
Geloy Concepción
Geloy (Manila, 1992) started out as a graffiti artist until 2006, when he turned to photography. In his images, he takes the pulse of the diverse Philippine society. He has worked for magazines and agencies around the world. Since 2017 he lives in the USA.
Rob Cham (2013) by Geloy ConcepcionOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Portraits
The series of portraits on display, taken between 2013 and 2017, showcases Geloy's work as a photographer in the Philippines before emigrating to the United States. He was able to travel the country, portraying unknown people who reflect the cultural diversity of the islands.
Kimmi (2013) by Geloy ConcepcionOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Kimmi
A portrait of artist Kimmi, an activist and a revolutionary. Spent her life dedicated to the pursuit of Philippine nationalist and democratic ideals. She passed away last Janaury 2021 due to cancer.
Elmer Borlongan (2013) by Geloy ConcepcionOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Elmer Borlongan
A portrait of painter Elmer Borlongan in his studio, a prominent figure in the Philippine art scene. Best known for his distinctive use of figurative expressionism.
Apo Whang Od (2013) by Geloy ConcepcionOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Apo Whang Od
A portrait of Apo Whang Od, 102. The last and oldest “mambabatok” (traditional kalinga tattoo artist) in the Philippines.
Bru (2013) by Geloy ConcepcionOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Bru
A portrait of Bru, Geloy's friend, during her pregnancy. Taken in Pandacan Manila.
Logo of the cycle "Let's Turn Around the World" (2019) by Laura LimónOriginal Source: Museo Nacional de Antropología
Do you want to know the other stops of the cycle?
The Let's turn around the world cycle is made up of the following exhibitions:
1. Rio somos nós!
2. Strait of Magellan: The Water Border
3. Plastic in sight!
4. BIBA CHAMORU: Culture and identity in Mariana Islands
You are all set!
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