50 more paintings of Bilibid's PDLs on exhibit at SC's main lobby
With the first batch of 66 paintings in oil and acrylic done by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) almost sold out, another 50 pieces of artworks were allowed by the Supreme Court (SC) to be displayed at its main lobby in Ermita, Manila.
The paintings done by the PDLs at the NBP’s medium and maximum- security compounds in Muntinlupa City as part of their rehabilitation program will be on display until Feb. 16.
Of the 50 additional paintings on display, 30 are from the PDLs at medium-security and 20 from maximum-security.
The PDL-artists are from the Kulay Group of Artists, maximum-security compound; School of Fine Arts, Education and Training Section, medium- security compound; and Work and Livelihood Section, medium-security compound.
“We are very happy that we are able to give a platform for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to showcase not just their talents, but perhaps even more triumphantly, their resolve to live life anew”, said Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, who personally spearheaded the project and selected the art pieces for exhibition.
Justice Marquez also said: “Art, just like sports, can be a transformative and empowering form of expression. By recognizing and supporting the artistic endeavors of our PDLs, we can affirm their dignity and humanity, and promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.”
The SC said all the proceeds of the art exhibit and sale will go to the PDL-artists. It also said that those interested in purchasing any of the artworks may contact the Office of Associate Justice Marquez at (02) 8525-7143. The paintings may also be viewed online at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdl-art-exhibit/
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo led the opening of the PDLs’ art exhibit last Feb. 7. He was joined by Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Ramon Paul L Hernando, Amy C. Lazaro Javier, Rodil V. Zalameda, Ricardo R. Rosario, Marquez, and Antonio T. Kho, Jr.