Why CANVAS Looks for Juan

The idea behind Looking for Juan (in Art and Rock & Roll) is simple - seven artists collaborate with seven bands to produce 14 new artworks and 14 original songs, all about What It Means to Be Filipino.

Beyond the art and the songs (which are all great), the Looking for Juan Program allows CANVAS (http://www.canvas.ph), together with the participating artists and bands, to explore and understand the social impact of art - particularly to promote discussion and debate on the theme of the Filipino identity. We like to think that this show is even more special in that, collectively, it gives a snapshot of what some of the best young creative talents think when asked about what it means to be Filipino, at this particular point in our nation's history.

Equally important, the event is actually engaging and non-intimidating, something that everyone can attend - to simply enjoy the art while listening to the music, or to think and discuss. We think it will be fun, and we hope to see you there.

Here's a sneak peek: The song was composed by Loquy, and the artwork for it created by Alfredo Esquillo.

HANAP
by Loquy

Hinahanap ang sarili sa mga kanta ng iba
Hinahanap ang sarili sa mga salita ng makata
Nalulunod sa iba’t-ibang impluwensya
Natabunan ang sarili… di na makita….
Hanap… Hahanapin mo hanggang sa dulo ng mundo
Hanap… Hahanapin mo natabunan ka na at ika’y nabaon.
Nakakumot ang sarili sa dilim, tuyo na’ng luha
Nakaramdam ka ng sakit, paalala lang na ika’y buhay pa
Nagpalunod. Inspirado. Gawing pintura …
Mas makulay ang ‘yong dugo… Magpakilala.
Hanap… Hahanapin mo hanggang sa dulo ng mundo
Hanap… Hahanapin mo natabunan ka na at ika’y nabaon.
Ang bulong ng pag-ibig mo’y di marinig sa disyerto
Sa gubat man wala pa rin, kusa ka lang dadalawin….
Hanap… Hahanapin mo hanggang sa dulo ng mundo
Hanap… Hahanapin mo natabunan ka na at ika’y nabaon.

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LOOKING FOR JUAN (In Art and Rock & Roll) is produced by CANVAS in partnership with Ambient Media, and opens with cocktails at 630pm, October 21, 2008 at the Ayala Museum. For questions and other details, please email info@canvas.ph.