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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Fear of Freedom Makes Us See Ghosts

Installation view of Fear of Freedom Makes Us See Ghosts, 2022.

June 23 – July 30, 2022
Ateneo de Manila University Arts WIng, Katipunan Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

The Philippines’ president-elect, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is better known as Bongbong Marcos. He is the son of the ousted former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, a ruthless and corrupt leader who siphoned billions into Swiss bank accounts and the purchase of rare jewels. While some Filipinos have forgotten, others, like the young artist Pio Abad, have not. In 1980, his parents were held under campus arrest for political activism; they were also among the first wave of protesters to storm the presidential residence in 1986. Now that a new era of corruption may have begun, Abad brings his memories to the foreground in a solo show on the campus of Ateneo de Manila University. 3-D replicas of the former First Lady’s jewels, along with photographs, sculptures, and postcards, tell this bone-chilling story. —Elena Clavarino

Photo courtesy of Ateneo Art Gallery