It’s said that "a picture speaks thousands of
words" and therefore, without a doubt, artistic drawings through the use
of symbols and signs convey meaningful messages to audiences. A message may
affect the individual's course of actions depending on how the individual
appreciates and understands the message of the art.
The artistic satire drawings (comics) made by Josua
Cabreros portrays and serves as a reflection about the social issues that the
Philippines is experiencing. The Philippines status quo is chaotic as it was in
the status quo before— it was a history of a colonialism vis-à-vis imperialism,
wars, a bad government in the form of a dictatorship, revolutions, and coup
d’état, inter alia. Despite the fact that all these things are already part of
the past, remnants of these events sprouted which led to new issues and
problems. Currently, new issues and problems have emerge that affected many of
the Filipino people. For instance, extra-judicial killings are everywhere
alongside with heavy road traffic, fake news, the culture of impunity,
inefficient bureaucracy, rising crime rates, corruption, inter alia. Depicting
these social issues in the form of arts i.e. satire drawings or comics with the
use of symbols and signs (i.e. semiotics), ipso facto, creates an impact on the
citizens insofar as it tries to criticize the problem or issue in a colorful
and funny manner, leaving the audience contemplating. Filipinos needs to wake
up now and should become less apathetic, if they will not, the demise of this
country is certain. The Philippines, based on Josua’s artworks, is portrayed as
a country with many unsolved social issues and problems— and I don’t question
it for it is a fact. This country was supposed to be a country of colors and
rich culture — but unfortunately was tampered by many power-hungry people i.e.
traditional politicians, oligarchs, and many other individuals.
The use of symbols and signs was an effective way to
catch and touch the hearts of the people. Filipinos are very artistic and
probably because of the cultural diversity— a fusion of pre-colonial and
western culture. In my view, comics and caricature (artistic satire drawings)
is an effective way of criticizing the social issues, as pictures and images
speaks (explains) in itself— contrary to heavy discussion and robust
argumentations with highfalutin words—that were probably used to show their
intelligence— or, to deceive the public. Moreover, criticisms should really be
in a form that is easy to understand so that it will serve as an eye-opener to
many individuals including the marginalized sector in our society. Lastly, I
commend and thank Josua for his
magnificent satire artworks and for the opportunity to observe it.
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