‘Huwag Mong Damdamin Ang Mga Bagay Dahil Ang Bagay Walang Damdamin’
Do you think there are gaps or silences in museum exhibits? What accounts for these gaps?
When I reflect on gaps and silences in museums, I find that our perception often relies on how well we understand the exhibit and the culture it showcases. Sometimes, certain perspectives or stories unintentionally dominate, overshadowing the diverse viewpoints within a culture or historical moment. These gaps can emerge due to various reasons like the absence of specific artifacts, cultural sensitivities, or limited resources. There are instances where sensitive or controversial materials are left out, contributing to these gaps. Yet, addressing these gaps demands a joint effort involving curators, historians, and communities.
Actively seeking and integrating underrepresented voices and narratives becomes pivotal in enriching the exhibits, allowing for a more inclusive and diverse portrayal. This approach not only enhances the displays but also provides a deeper, more nuanced understanding of history and culture, making the museum experience even more engaging and enlightening.
If a museum visit is not part of a school activity, would you visit a museum on your own volition? Why and why not?
Of course. I’ve always found museums fascinating and even consider them fantastic spots for a first date. There’s an inherent tranquility and sense of discovery within museums, this feeling of “learning without the weight of expectations” — entering a space not knowing what there is to know or learn about, and not feeling pressured to have a clear-cut answer even after your visit. For instance, the artwork that inspired the title of this reflection paper, ‘Huwag Mong Damdamin Ang Mga Bagay Dahil Ang Bagay Walang Damdamin,’ by Lynyrd Paras at the Bencab Museum left a lasting impact on me. Personally, I sometimes find myself more eager to read the titles of artworks than to focus solely on the exhibits themselves. Its title continues to resonate with me even now. When I first read it, I hurriedly saved it in my phone’s notes because I knew it would hold significance that will be valuable for me someday. And I think that’s really one of the wonders of museums — the ability of certain pieces to profoundly strike us unexpectedly.
Perhaps it’s this overlooked joy of anticipation, to learn something new, that I find most comforting in museums. There’s an unspoken excitement in not just discovering the stories behind the art but also in not fully grasping its meaning even after you’ve left — so it’s just there lingering in your mind, leaving an enduring impression — something that I think adds a special depth to the entire museum experience.
— Reflections on our PhilArts Baguio Museum Tour (Bencab, Tam-Awan), November 2023
