Superstition by Cesar Legaspi

Superstition by Cesar Legaspi

• Carlos Legaspi is recognized as a founder of Neo-realism in the Philippines.
• The painting "Superstition" features a central character, a troubled man with his hands on his head, expressing pain.
• The man is depicted with a muscular structure, surrounded by thick, curved, and diagonal geometric figures and forms.
• These geometric shapes vary significantly in size, conveying complexity and irregularity.
• The artwork addresses the theme of false faith, highlighting the fear and anxiety associated with superstitions.
• It critiques the tendency of individuals, particularly Filipinos, to rely on superstitions for an easier life, warning of potential dangers.
• The man’s upside-down position suggests he is in a state of agony or distress, symbolized by his bare nudity, representing innocence and blind faith in societal beliefs.
• The painting features contrasting backgrounds: a blue top resembling water or air and a fiery red bottom, symbolizing descent or loss of control.
• The bowed legs of the figure in the upper left corner may signify deviation from correct and rational paths.
• The choice of colors, blue and brown, symbolically represents the Philippines: brown for the islands and blue for surrounding waters.
• The painting reflects societal beliefs and the importance of questioning inherited ideologies rather than passively accepting them.
• "Superstition" is notable for its impactful narrative and artistic execution, serving as a standard for subsequent art movements and a source of national pride.