Art for Agriculture in Pulilan

Rural and farming life and memories of it take center stage at the Museo Pulong Kabyawan in Pulilan, Bulacan as more than 10 artists mount an exhibit on the culture of farming in the once vast fields in the village of Inaon. These artists are part of a newly-formed group, Pulong Kabyawan Art Collective, led by Andrew de Guzman.

Apart from De Guzman, the founding members, who are part of the initial exhibit held at the museum's KwARTong Munti, are Gilbert Angeles, Ambo Dolores, John Louie Esguerra, Angela Gabriel, Lae Aldrin Gutierrez, Rommel Hipolito, Erwin Mallari, Rix Man, Alex Roxas, Chael Santos, and Mc Clen Talento. Traditional Cordilleran tattooist Ammin Acha-ur graced the opening program of "Nostalhik"on 3 December.

The exhibit, which runs through January 2023, is open on weekends including Fridays, from eight in the morning to six in the evening. Proceeds from the show will go to the Help Save Pulong Kabyawan Zone Project which advocates for the preservation of the farm called Pulong Kabyawan that is threatened by industrial development.

The works, which include paintings, sketches, and sculptures, foment feelings of nostalgia not only on those who have moved to cities but also on residents of once agricultural areas. The effective evocation of farm life and ways by the works is testament to the skills and artistry of Bulakeño artists.

With this latest event, Pulong Kabyawan, an agri-heritage zone, has once again etched its place in the arts and culture scene in Bulacan. It has also established its distinction as a hub for the living heritage of farming and farm life in Pulilan.