Silverlens gallery presents a special exhibition featuring the works of artist Martha Atienza, which explores her personal connection to island life, water, and social issues. The exhibition showcases a procession of men wearing unconventional costumes, ranging from religious to iconic figures like Roman centurions and Manny Pacquiao. Immersed in water and in a trance-like state, they navigate against the currents. Leading the march is a man dressed as the Santo Nino, carrying a doppelgänger statue. This underwater Ati-atihan procession blends ancient animistic traditions with Christian influences brought by colonization.

Martha Atienza annually films the Ati-atihan festival, interweaving footage of the vibrant celebration with imagery addressing pressing social concerns. The procession becomes a record of victories, disasters, dreams, and protests, incorporating both natural and political violence. Atienza's works not only represent the community but also actively serve it. She initiates screening programs and workshops that encourage active participation and foster an exchange of ideas within the community. By utilizing video as her medium, Atienza establishes a close bond with the people of Bantayan Island, her hometown. Her projects empower youth to continue sharing knowledge and provide a platform for rarely heard voices.

One significant issue faced by Bantayan Island is the detrimental impact of the fishing industry on marine life. Illegal fishing and diving practices have led to the decline of life within the reefs. Atienza, deeply immersed in the community's practices, has gained a better understanding of the underlying causes, namely poverty and lack of awareness. This understanding has inspired her to approach the issue incrementally, engaging people through small steps rather than overwhelming them with righteous lectures. Climate change emerges as a pressing global problem, and Atienza emphasizes the importance of addressing it alongside the issues of human-driven destruction and nature itself.

Martha Atienza's exhibition at Silverlens offers a thought-provoking exploration of island life, water, and social challenges. Through her multimedia works, she creates a platform for dialogue, participation, and community engagement. By highlighting pressing issues, she aims to raise awareness and initiate meaningful change within her hometown and beyond. Atienza's art becomes a conduit for ideas, empowering the community, and amplifying voices that are often unheard.

GALLERY