Visual artist Chad Montero took his audience on a journey into the hidden realms of Bicolano folklore with his recently-concluded exhibit “Tawong Lipod” at Boston Gallery. There, the ethereal and the intangible intersected.
Montero’s exploration of these invisible creatures was a personal endeavor rooted in his family’s history and cultural heritage.
“I grew up in a simple family that practiced old beliefs such as superstitions, folk tales, and old traditions. My parents are both Bicolanos, and my mother inherited the ability to treat simple ailments from her mother, who was an albularya,” narrated Montero.
The term “tawong lipod” or invisible elements in Bicol are beings both feared and revered. They are believed to cause ailments when disturbed but can also be seen as companions of healers and bringers of luck. Montero’s art delves into the complex duality of these creatures, reflecting the intricate web of beliefs that surround them.
In Montero’s creative process, concept and storytelling take the lead. Each piece in the exhibit played a specific role in building a tale around the tawong lipod. He explained, “I gave parts to each piece. Like what is the origin of tawong lipod? What does it draw from itself? Where is it? What does it want to say?”
Two pieces stood out in the exhibit, Parasantigwar and Girumdom, which offered deep insights into Montero’s artistic visions. Parasantigwar portrayed a native healer using santigwar to diagnose a patient’s illness, a practice passed down through generations in Montero’s family. The healer’s image, reminiscent of Montero’s late mother, added a personal dimension to the artwork. Aside from that, it also served as a documentation of a disappearing tradition.
On the other hand, Girumdom invited viewers to explore the world of a young woman, one eye covered while the other remains open. This piece challenged everyone to look beyond the familiar and embrace the unusual, echoing Montero’s belief in the power of imagination and storytelling.
Montero’s art is more than just a personal exploration—it is a means of preserving and passing down cultural stories and traditions. He acknowledges that there’s much more to learn about culture and history, but through his art, he hopes to offer future generations a window into the rich world of beliefs and customs that define our heritage.
His exhibit reminded us to be mindful of those on the fringes of the society, the tawong lipod who often go unnoticed. It was a powerful tool that challenged societal norms and sparked essential conversations. It served as a bridge to deliver messages and awaken awareness about the world around us. Montero believes that art encourages us to be critical observers, pushing us to question and reflect on our surroundings.
“It’s hard to be an artist, sometimes you look like a tawong lipod in the eyes of the common people because of our unique way of choosing life. But being different is also what makes us stand out from the rest. The process in this race is long. Consistency is important, but there must be growth in the direction of work. Always give your best whether it’s a group show or solo show. Go to exhibit openings to meet artists and get inspired by the pieces on display,” ends Montero.
Chad Montero’s “Tawong Lipod” invited us to see the invisible, remember the past, and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that shapes our present. Through his art, Montero brought the ethereal into the visible, leaving us with a profound sense of wonder and reflection.
Boston Gallery is located at 72 Boston Corner Lantana St., Cubao, Quezon City.