“Good morning” takes on a whole new meaning in Jonathan Joven’s latest exhibit. For him, these two words isn’t your ordinary greeting but a salute to the city’s unsung heroes, a celebration of the daily grind, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Filipino worker.

At the core of his “Good Morning” exhibit is the humble Good Morning towel that symbolizes the Filipino working class. Stained with sweat and grime, these towels bear witness to countless hours of labor. Joven transforms these ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art, imbuing them with a profound sense of dignity and resilience. 

“My inspiration for this show is my father, Jun. I’ve always wanted to honor my father for his sacrifices and love in supporting my siblings and me, with the help of my mother, Tessie. Dad never tires of working just to have enough for our daily needs. The Good Morning towel was always with him, (with which he would) wipe the sweat off his forehead and body. It’s a common sight to see this towel with every worker,” says Joven. “I also dedicate this to workers whose capital is blood, sweat, and tears. It symbolizes their hard work and perseverance, which is why it became the center of my exhibit.” 

His paintings, often monochromatic, have a sense of power and emotion. The bold strokes and vivid colors capture the energy and dynamism of the city’s working class. Sigasig, one of the centerpiece works, depicts the frenzied energy of Divisoria, a bustling marketplace, where life unfolds at a relentless pace. Usad, on the other hand, showcases the history of transportation in Manila. 

“Sigasig is a continuous cycle or rotation of the world of development in Manila. You can see various products being sold, different kinds of people in the society, different goals and aspirations to overcome the daily challenges of life. Usad tells a story about the changing face of transportation in our history and its progress. It shows the confrontation between the traditional kalesa and the jeepney, with the image of the bicycle between them seemingly disappearing from our roads due to unresolved problems of our traffic and public transportation,” Joven explains.

Beyond the physicality of labor, Joven also explores the emotional and psychological toll of the working-class life. His paintings convey a sense of weariness, frustration, and hope, reflecting the experiences of the people he seeks to honor. 

“Good Morning” is a social commentary, a call to recognize and appreciate the contributions of the working class. By elevating the mundane to the extraordinary, Joven reminds us the beauty and dignity inherent in every human endeavor.

“Through this exhibit, I want to show the great role and contribution of our workers to our society. They are the silent and often unnoticed ones who keep our society alive. I want to highlight the strength and resilience of our fellow workers and fully acknowledge their significant contribution to our society. This is a tribute to our workers and ordinary Filipino people,” he ends.

“Good Morning” has just concluded its run at the Art Cube Gallery, OPVI Centre, 2295 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.