Slum Madonna

Mediums: oil, canvas.
Location: The Philippine Cultural Center, Manila (Philippines).

The image of the mother and her child is one of the author’s most favorite topics. The picture shows the poverty and devastation that reigned in the country after World War II and which contrasted so much with the wealth and tranquility of the people of the United States and in rapidly recovering Europe. Hopelessness is emphasized by the monochrome gamma, the absence of bright colour spots. The heroes of the painting are in close contact as if protecting each other from the threat of the outside world, which they look at with caution, almost severely. The helplessness of the young mother in front of life’s difficulties and uncertainty makes the viewer feel sympathy.