Jose Soto | Video Profile

Maganda

Video 2.46 min
2015

This video portrays an expanding and contracting bamboo forest seen from a birds eye view. The work is inspired by the Philippine mythical story of Malakas and Maganda – the strong one and the beautiful one. In it, the first ever man and woman sprung from a large bamboo tree when it was split open by a Sarimanok, a magical mythical bird called Magaul. Maganda creates a visual rhythm where the center of the forest splits to reveal and hide natural forms. The use of the negative highlights the complexity of the natural patterns and a symmetrical composition is used to suggest beings and, or bodies generating from within. The rhythmic chanting provides the atmosphere for the contemplation of the work.

Jose Soto