Leon Gallery presents Mauro Malang Santos

León Gallery

6 Apr 202003:28

Summary

TLDRThe transcript reflects on the life and work of a renowned Filipino artist, Mullah (or possibly Malla), who was widely known and celebrated even among everyday people, like a taxi driver. His art spans from comic illustrations to high art, appealing to both elite and general audiences. He appeared in commercials for bookstores and milk brands, emphasizing his cultural significance. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and insights into Mullah's open approach to his painting technique, which he likens to jazz, showcasing his versatility and influence in Philippine art.

Takeaways

🎨 The death of Mullah (also referred to as Marlon) was a significant event, and his art deeply touched Filipino life, as even a taxi driver knew of him.
🖌️ Marlon is celebrated as a National Artist of the Philippines, with his name known even at grassroots levels.
📺 Marlon appeared in commercials, including one for a bookstore and another for a milk company, making him a well-known public figure.
🖼️ The speaker highlights two contrasting works behind them—one a winter-themed still life, and the other a vibrant tropical depiction of the Virgin Mary.
🎶 Marlon's painting technique was likened to jazz, with no set formula, just improvisation using available colors and materials.
📚 Marlon was candid about his artistic process, in contrast to other artists who often keep their techniques secret.
📰 He began his career in illustration and graphic design, creating comic strips like 'Accost Me in the Cup.'
👨‍🎨 Marlon's art transcended his origins in graphic design and comics, evolving into high art that appeals to both elites and the general population.
🤝 His art connected deeply with both upper society and the broader Filipino community by being relatable and accessible.
✨ The speaker admired Marlon’s openness and the transformative quality of his work, which bridges different aspects of culture and society.

Q & A

Who is the main subject of the transcript?
-The main subject of the transcript is Mullah, also referred to as Marlon, a prominent Filipino artist.
What reaction did the taxi driver have when the speaker mentioned visiting Mr. Malla?
-The taxi driver reacted by acknowledging Mullah as 'National Artist,' surprising and amusing the speaker.
Why does the speaker believe that Mullah would have been amused by the taxi driver's reaction?
-The speaker believes Mullah would have been amused because even a taxi driver was familiar with his name and reputation, demonstrating the wide recognition of Mullah's work across different social classes.
What makes Mullah a well-known artist in the Philippines, according to the transcript?
-Mullah is well-known not only because he was a National Artist, but also because he appeared in several commercials, such as for a bookstore chain and a milk brand.
What is unique about the two works of Mullah mentioned in the transcript?
-The two works mentioned are in complete contrast to each other. One represents a 'winter version' of a still life, while the other is described as a 'tropical splendor' of Philippine colors celebrating the Virgin Mary.
How did Mullah describe his painting style or technique?
-Mullah described his technique as having 'no fixed formula' and compared it to the improvisation of a jazz artist, using whatever colors were available.
What was the background of Mullah before becoming a painter?
-Mullah’s background was in illustration and graphic design. He created several comic strips, including one called 'Accost me in the cup,' before transitioning to fine art.
What type of audience did Mullah’s artwork appeal to?
-Mullah's artwork appealed to both the higher end of society, who appreciate fine art, and a broader section of the population, who enjoy art that communicates and relates to them.
Why does the speaker describe Mullah as 'an open book' when it comes to his artistic technique?
-The speaker describes Mullah as 'an open book' because he was candid and open about his artistic process, unlike many artists who tend to be secretive about their techniques.
What is the speaker’s opinion on Mullah’s contribution to Philippine art?
-The speaker holds Mullah in high regard, viewing him as an exemplar of art that transcends social boundaries by appealing to both elites and everyday people. His ability to transform illustration into high art is also highlighted.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 The Legacy of Mullah in Filipino Culture

The paragraph begins with a story about how the name 'Mullah' (possibly a prominent Filipino artist) has become well-known, even among taxi drivers in the Philippines. The speaker recalls an interaction with a taxi driver who referred to Mullah as a 'National Artist,' showing the widespread recognition of his work. This reflects the deep cultural impact that Mullah had on the Filipino community.

🖼️ Mullah's Unique Artistic Style

The speaker discusses two contrasting works of art by Mullah, highlighting their distinct styles: one with a 'winter version of a still life' and the other filled with tropical colors celebrating the Virgin Mary. When asked about his painting technique, Mullah humorously responded that he had no strict formula, likening his style to a jazz artist improvising with whatever colors are available. This showcases Mullah’s openness about his process and playful attitude towards his art.

📚 From Comics to High Art: Mullah's Versatile Career

The paragraph delves into Mullah’s background in comics and graphic design, including his work on popular comic strips like 'Accost Me in the Cup.' His early experience in illustration and graphic design eventually transformed into his high art painting career. Mullah's work appeals to both elite art connoisseurs and the general public, emphasizing his ability to connect with a broad audience through relatable and accessible art.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Mullah

Mullah refers to a learned Muslim scholar, but in the context of the video, it likely represents a Filipino artist, possibly a nickname or title. This reference to 'Mullah' sets the stage for a story about a well-known figure, highlighting their impact on Philippine culture, especially in the art scene.

💡Marlan

Marlan, mentioned multiple times, seems to represent a renowned Filipino artist. The speaker shares anecdotes about his wide-reaching influence, from elite art circles to everyday Filipinos like a taxi driver. Marlan’s contributions to both high art and commercial media cement his place in the national consciousness.

💡National Artist

In the Philippines, the title 'National Artist' is a prestigious recognition awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of arts and culture. Marlan’s status as a 'National Artist' underlines his importance in the nation's cultural history and his influence on both local and international art.

💡Taxi Driver

The taxi driver symbolizes how deeply Marlan's name has penetrated popular culture. Even those outside of art circles, like everyday workers, recognize and respect his name, showing how art can reach and influence people at all levels of society.

💡Commercials

Marlan's appearance in commercials, such as for bookstores and milk companies, indicates his mainstream appeal. His presence in advertising demonstrates how his art transcended traditional boundaries, making him a recognizable figure beyond the fine art world.

💡Still Life

Still life, a genre of art that focuses on inanimate objects, is contrasted in the video with more vibrant, tropical depictions. The speaker refers to two works by Marlan: one embodying a cold, still-life-like feel, and the other representing the vibrant colors of the Philippines, showcasing the range of his artistic expression.

💡Carosa

The 'Carosa' refers to the religious processional floats used in Filipino Catholic celebrations. Marlan's work, which celebrates the Virgin Mary, includes cultural and religious themes familiar to the Filipino audience, again showing how he draws from both high and grassroots cultural elements.

💡Comic Strips

Marlan’s background in comic strips, particularly 'Accost Me in the Cup,' reveals his beginnings in more commercial, accessible forms of art. This graphic design foundation evolved into high art, as seen in his later works, bridging the gap between popular culture and fine arts.

💡Formula

Marlan's statement 'voila a coupe formula,' which translates to 'no fixed formula,' reflects his artistic philosophy. He embraces a jazz-like improvisation, using whatever materials are available, rejecting the notion of rigid artistic techniques, and valuing creative freedom.

💡Philippine Colors

Philippine colors, as mentioned in the video, refer to the bright, tropical hues associated with the country’s natural landscapes and cultural celebrations. Marlan’s art, which celebrates these colors, reflects the vibrancy and diversity of Philippine life, making his work relatable and deeply connected to his national identity.

Highlights

Upon the death of Mullah, or more formally known as Mao Rome Milan Santos, the speaker recounts a memorable cab ride.

The taxi driver recognized the name of the artist, showing how widely Mulla's work had permeated Philippine culture.

Mullan is celebrated as the only Filipino artist featured in several commercials, including a bookstore and a milk company.

The speaker describes two contrasting works of art by Mulla, one embodying a winter still life and the other a tropical splendor celebrating the Virgin Mary.

When asked about his painting style, Mulla responded, 'Voila a coupe formula,' likening his approach to that of a jazz artist, mixing colors as they are available.

Mulla's candor about his technique contrasts with other artists who are often secretive about their methods.

Mulla's background in magazines and comics, including his creation of comic strips such as 'Accost Me in the Cup,' heavily influenced his graphic design and artwork.

The transition from comic illustrations to fine art showcases Mulla's versatility as an artist.

Mulla's work appeals to both the higher-end society, which appreciates refined art, and a broader audience that connects with art in a relatable manner.

His paintings transformed popular culture into high art, capturing both intellectuals and the general public.

Mulla's open-book attitude about his art reflects his accessible and grounded personality.

His paintings, especially those celebrating the Virgin Mary, are vibrant with Philippine colors and cultural significance.

Mulla's graphic design background influenced the visual structure of his artwork, merging popular media with traditional art forms.

His work bridges the gap between the elite art world and everyday life, making art approachable for the masses.

The lasting influence of Mulla's art is evident in how his name resonates even with everyday citizens, like the taxi driver in the story.