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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 'Naked Truth' exhibit opens at Manila Clock Tower Museum

'Naked Truth' exhibit opens at Manila Clock Tower Museum

Published Apr 28, 2026 03:33 pm
Manila Clock Tower | Photo taken by Diann Calucin/Manila Bulletin
Manila Clock Tower | Photo taken by Diann Calucin/Manila Bulletin
A new art exhibition by renowned Filipino watercolorist Rafael "Popoy" Arenillo Cusi will open to the public on May 5 at the Manila Clock Tower Museum, offering a bold reinterpretation of the human form as a reflection of the city’s identity.

Titled “Naked Truth,” the exhibit features a collection of early watercolor sketches that depart from the artist’s more polished works, presenting raw and stripped-down depictions of the human body.

Organizers said the exhibit challenges viewers to look beyond surface aesthetics and engage with deeper themes of identity, resilience, and heritage.
The grand opening is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, at 3 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Manila Clock Tower Museum inside Manila City Hall. 
In these pieces, Cusi reimagines the nude figure as a “human topography,” drawing parallels between the contours of the body and the layered landscape of Manila.
By linking the human form with the character of the city, the collection highlights Manila’s complexity, mirroring both its beauty and its enduring struggles.
The show is also positioned as a commentary on artistic expression, with works that push against notions of censorship and conventional standards in art. 
Despite its provocative theme, the exhibit emphasizes a sense of purity and intention, presenting the nude form as a symbol of authenticity rather than controversy.

Set within the historic Manila Clock Tower, the exhibit creates a visual dialogue between the city’s architectural past and contemporary artistic exploration.

Cusi, widely regarded as a master of watercolor, is known for his ability to capture delicate, atmospheric qualities in his work and continues to be a significant figure in contemporary Philippine art.

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