The southern end of the Philippines, Mindanao, boasts a rich cultural tapestry woven by diverse communities living harmoniously together. At the forefront of bringing out the stories and essence of Mindanao lies the prolific visual artist Rey Mudhajid “Kublai” Ponce Millan or Kublai Millan. Through his vibrant canvases, Kublai invites his audience to look into the soul of Mindanao, as he encapsulated it in his latest exhibit at Art Lounge Manila called “Summa.”
“The style just came about effortlessly, from what I have imbibed in my experiences with the many indigenous communities I have immersed in. I just turned it into images,” says Kublai, who embraces the diverse history of Mindanao, acknowledging both its beauty and the scars left by past conflicts. “‘Summa’ came about as I tried to summarize my creative and cultural work in Mindanao. They are simplified lines and shapes to give my audience a chance to notice, appreciate, and find interest in the diverse culture of the southern part of our country. The multi-layered stories of Mindanao are all over my work. They just merge like friends and neighbors living with and caring for and understanding each other.”
Through Kubali’s exhibit, the colors and shapes become a celebration of the diversity and unity of the tri-people of Mindanao—Muslim, Christians, and indigenous communities. “Summa has the colors and images only a Mindanaoan artist can paint,” says Kublai.
Kubali’s journey as an artist has been a path of constant exploration and evolution. “Having stayed long enough in Mindanao made me believe that building markers of culture is important, which led me to build massive monuments as reminders of the values of history.
With “Summa,” Kublai has come full circle. “After three decades of back-breaking monument making, I believe I’m allowed to simplify them in abstract forms as a way of summarizing everything I have done for Mindanao,” he explains. “All together, it speaks of oneness, the spaces that demand respect amid our differences. The colors and the images are attractive like puzzles that invite the viewer to connect the pieces.”
Kublai’s current exhibition stands as a mirror reflecting the Filipino soul, inviting us to embrace our heritage, culture, and diversity. As an artist, he believes that fostering unity and a sense of place through exhibitions that hold true to culture and identity plays a vital role in nation-building. Through his artworks, he aims to leave an indelible mark on Filipino consciousness, inspiring the next generation to find their voice, their identity, and their place in the rich tapestry of humanity.
“Exhibitions that hold true to culture and identity foster unity as we embrace who we are as a people. It brings pride of place, fellowship, as we find ourselves part of the subject, and brings us back to the source of our inspirations, our communities,” says Kublai, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in art. “Art and creativity play a major role in building our nation as we reflect on who, how, what, and where we are. My artworks could be mirrors for us to see the beautiful Filipino soul.”
“Summa” runs until Aug. 13 at the Art Lounge Manila at Molito Lifestyle Center, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa.
www.artloungemanila.com