In a world that moves at a relentless pace, it is easy to forget the importance of cherishing our past and the memories that shape us. Filipino artist Chad Montero, however, is determined to reignite our connection with the stories and experiences that have made us who we are today. Throughout his thought-provoking exhibit “Santabi” at the Altro Mondo Creative Space in Makati City, Montero invites viewers on a journey through time, rekindling their own personal memories and sparking a newfound appreciation for the simple yet significant moments of life.
Chad Montero
“In the embrace and ownership of things or images, we preserve and prevent them from being completely erased,” says Montero. “We, Filipinos, known around the world as happy people, also have a tendency to be sentimental. We often love to look back at our memories and create new ones. Others say it may be an effect of suffering under the colonizers. We have become emotional, or maybe we Filipinos are just soft-hearted. We treasure God, our country, our family. We like to keep things that remind us of the past. We love the memories of yesterday. And this is what I do with my artworks—I draw the past, the time. The stories of yesterdays are like torn old papers that need to be preserved.”
“Santabi” encapsulates the essence of preserving memories. It is a testament to the importance of giving time to memories, of not forgetting the past, of looking back at how things started. Montero’s inspiration stems from his Filipino heritage and the sentimentality deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. He understands the nation’s tendency to hold onto the past, to cherish memories, and keep reminders of bygone days. The exhibit serves as homage to the memories of yesterday, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting our roots.
'Salin,' Pen and Ink on coffee stained paper, bottles, newspaper, woodbox, acrylic glass, 2023; 'Labahan,' Pen and Ink on coffee stained paper, bottles, newspaper, woodbox, acrylic glass, 2023
“I always think whenever I create a show or a piece, how the viewer can relate or connect with my work,” says Montero. “The stories are important to me because I have a lot of treasured memories that I feel are outdated. That’s why I want to remind them so that [these memories don’t] disappear completely. And these memories are not only about childhood play, but also about passing traditions, old beliefs, and cultures. I want the viewers to experience traveling back to their own personal memories through the images I draw on the papers.”
When viewers gaze upon Montero’s pieces, they are invited to experience their own personal memories, a journey back into their own past. He understands the power of nostalgia and aims to awaken a sense of connection within each viewer, evoking emotions and sensations that transport them to their own treasured recollections. By depicting images of everyday objects and scenes that carry the weight of memories, Montero creates a bridge between the past and the present, allowing viewers to reconnect with their own experiences and rediscover the significance of their memories.
“All of my artworks are important to me because I devote energy and time to them. But the piece I really like in this show is Bilin because it reminds me of my late mother. I also like the Pahina because it’s like a record of the things that I come across every day in life. Each piece of paper contains small stories and memories of a simple life,” says Montero.
Montero’s artistic technique further enhances the evocative nature of his pieces. He draws various images on paper and immerses them in brewed coffee, giving them an aged appearance. By cutting and tearing the images, he symbolizes the vulnerability of paper, mirroring the delicate nature of the stories and memories he seeks to preserve. Some of his drawings are housed within bottles, creating an aura of mystery and anticipation, as if they are waiting to be opened reveal their hidden messages.
'Dayo,' Pen and Ink on coffee stained paper, bottles, newspaper, woodbox, acrylic glass, 2023; 'Altar,' Pen and Ink on coffee stained paper, bottles, newspaper, woodbox, acrylic glass, 2023
“The observation of what is happening around—experiences, family stories, people you meet or interact with, and what the country is facing are often sources of inspiration for the creation of artworks. The movement of the surroundings is the reflection of my works,” explains Montero. “I often draw inspiration from my grandmother’s and mother’s healing stories. I can compare these stories of healing as a symbol of our search for a cure or solution to the problems of our people, because our country has a serious illness that must be treated. We artists are storytellers. We are recorders of events, bridges of messages, and guardians of culture and history.” “Santabi” not only captivates the senses but also serves as a poignant reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty found in the ordinary. It encourages us to revisit our own memories to honor the stories that have shaped us, and to recognize the collective power of our shared experiences. It’s a testament to the resilience of memories, the enduring power of the past, and the indelible mark it leaves on our present and future.
“Santabi” runs until May 27 at the Altro Mondo Creative Space, 1159 Chino Roces Avenue, San Antonio Village, Makati City. [email protected]