ABOUT THE WORK

Filipino social realist Emmanuel Garibay often depicts everyday people in socio-political and religious scenes as he vigorously tackles various human conditions, issues, and realities. Garibay, recognized as a powerful storyteller, combines social realism and figurative expression in his humanistic approach to character depiction. Here, he renders a figure in repentance or a strong desire to be forgiven. The spiritual act of literally experiencing the Crucifixion that is part of Filipino culture, specifically of Catholic faith and practices, is captured in expressive colors and strokes. One intriguing, notable feature in this work is the subject’s seemingly smug smile, which shows the opposite of a state of lamentation. It makes the work more open to interpretation and questions whether the facial expression reveals the joy in being freed from one’s sins or the lack of sincerity in this act.