Chapter 13 An Artist Across Two Time Periods

Chapter 13: “An Artist Across Two Time Periods” Chapter 13 explores the lifestyle and environment around the late American and Japanese Occupation periods through the Art by Fernando Amorsolo. He was a Filipino national artist that portrayed different atmospheres around these times, which provides a glimpse of the change of culture and social political state in the country. This chapter analyzes the positive outlook in the Commonwealth period, the shattering with the Second World War, and liberation and destruction of the Philippines. Historical Context of the Paintings After the death of Governor General Leonard Wood, Henry Stimson took over his place. He faced the challenge of balancing American colonial interests with Filipino leaders' desire for more independence. This period followed World War I and was marked by global political changes. In 1929, the Great Depression hit, leading to a severe economic downturn, high unemployment, and reduced production. The crisis made countries, including the U.S., wary of further wars, particularly in Europe and the Pacific. Though not the main factor, the economic struggles of the U.S. after World War II influenced the Philippines' push for independence. With the economic downturn starting in the late 1930s, the U.S. found it difficult to maintain its support for the Philippines. This allowed Filipino leaders, like President Manuel L. Quezon, to assert themselves more. Quezon opposed the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Bill, which he saw as unfavorable to the Philippines, and pushed for the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934. This act promised a gradual path to independence over a decade, but it also faced economic challenges, like restrictions on sugar exports that hindered the Philippines' growth during this transition. The Philippine Commonwealth was established in 1935 under the Tydings-McDuffie Act, with Manuel Quezon as President and Sergio Osmeña as Vice President. While there was hope for full independence by 1945, World War II disrupted these plans. Japanese Occupation and Wartime Challenges Japan's military ambitions in the Pacific were evident, and General Douglas MacArthur anticipated potential conflict. He helped organize the Philippine Commonwealth Army to prepare for invasion. Despite these efforts, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and then bombed the Philippines, changing the region's situation rapidly. When Japan invaded, Manila was declared an “Open City” to avoid destruction, and Quezon's government moved to Corregidor Island. Despite efforts to resist, Filipino and American forces were soon defeated. The fall of Bataan and Corregidor in April and May 1942 became symbols of struggle, but the defeats were major setbacks. Quezon and Osmeña relocated to the U.S. to continue their government-in-exile, while MacArthur famously vowed, “I shall return,” after being forced to leave. The surrender of Bataan led to the Bataan Death March, where 6,000 to 7,100 Filipino and American prisoners of war faced brutal treatment. Meanwhile, guerrilla groups continued to resist Japanese occupation across the Philippines. Japan attempted to justify its occupation by offering quick independence, but most Filipinos saw this as propaganda. The creation of KALIBAPI and the installation of a puppet government under President Jose P. Laurel in 1943 were efforts to legitimize their control. The “Declaration of Independence” on October 11, 1943, was seen as hollow, as real power remained with Japan. Liberation and Aftermath In 1944, the tide of the war began to turn as MacArthur made good on his promise, returning to the Philippines alongside U.S. forces. The landing in Leyte in October 1944 initiated a campaign to liberate the country from Japanese occupation. President Quezon, who had led the government-in-exile, died in the United States in August 1944, never witnessing the return of his people’s freedom. The battle for Manila in 1945 was intense and destructive. Unlike the Japanese entry into Manila in 1941, which faced little resistance, the city's liberation came with heavy fighting, leaving Manila among the most devastated cities of World War II. The brutality of the Japanese forces during their occupation and the subsequent battles left deep scars on the Filipino population, both physically and emotionally. On July 4, 1945, General MacArthur declared the liberation of the Philippines, and Japan’s formal surrender on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri marked the end of hostilities. The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki precipitated Japan’s surrender, but the Philippines was left with the immense task of rebuilding from the ruins. The devastation, especially in Manila, could only be captured in images and art, and it was through the works of Fernando Amorsolo that the stories of this period found a poignant visual expression. Fernando Amorsolo’s Biography Early Life Fernando Amorsolo was born on May 30, 1892 and grew up in Daet, Camarines Norte. He was born to a family of creative individuals. His uncle, Fabian dela Rosa, his mother's cousin, was a painter and Pablo, his brother, was engaged in the same profession. His family's challenges included the loss of his older brother to the revolution and the death of his father when he was 11. After his father’s death, they decided to relocate back to Manila to look for better opportunities. At the age of 13, Fernando became an apprentice to his uncle, Fabian, who happened to be teaching at the University of the Philippines (Martinez, 2009). His artistic journey began early with the influence of his uncle. The Role of Art in Historical Reflection After formal training at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts, Amorsolo established himself as a leading artist during the American period, known for his depictions of idyllic rural life. Amorsolo's style changed dramatically during the Japanese occupation, reflecting the dark and challenging times and capturing the brutality and suffering endured by the Filipino people under Japanese rule. His works from this period serve as visual documentation of the hardships endured by Filipinos, contrasting with his earlier romanticized depictions of peaceful rural scenes. Career Highlights: - Amorsolo’s career took off after his painting Leyendo el Periodico won second place at a competition in 1908. He studied at Academia de San Fernando in Madrid, supported by industrialist Enrique Zobel de Ayala, which enriched his techniques and broadened his artistic vision. He became known for his romanticized depictions of rural Filipino life during the American period but adapted his style to reflect the darker realities of Japanese occupation and the aftermath of war. Analysis of Key Artworks 1. A Family Resting Under the Mango Shade This piece captures a typical provincial scene, where a family takes a midday break under the shade of a mango tree. The bright colors in the background, the crystal-clear water in the rice paddies, and the gentle shading under the tree embody Amorsolo’s pre-war themes of tranquility and simplicity. It represents a time when life was slower and more connected to nature, reflecting a sense of peace and continuity in rural communities during the American period. 2. In Defense of Honor A stark contrast to his earlier works, "In Defense of Honor" portrays a scene of suffering during the Japanese occupation. The painting uses dim colors and darker tones, representing the despair and trauma of wartime. The scene shows a woman subjected to violence, with a man standing nearby, overwhelmed by anger and a desire to protect. The detail of a hat on the ground suggests the presence of an unseen aggressor, hinting at the hidden brutality of the era. This piece is a poignant reminder of the personal and collective struggles faced by Filipinos under Japanese rule. Conclusion This provides us a unique perspective on the years of Philippine history through the art of Fernando Amorsolo. His work offers more than just aesthetic appeal, it also serves as a historical document that reflects the Filipino spirit's resilience amid colonization and war. For students and enthusiasts of history, Amorsolo’s art reminds us of the complex and often painful journey toward the nation's eventual independence.