The Shoebox
2019
Tin Metal, Gesso, Paint, Graphite
5” x 7”
The Shoebox is a poignant painting on tin that captures a somber memory from my past. As an altar boy in a small town, I had attended several funerals, but this one stood out. A poor family came to the church carrying a shoebox, which, upon uncovering, revealed a tiny baby. The painting encapsulates the sorrowful atmosphere and emotions that were felt during that moment.
The art form depicted in The Shoebox is reminiscent of the Filipino tradition of memorializing recently departed loved ones with post-mortem portraits or “Recuerdos de Patay,” dating back to the late 19th to early 20th century. This practice has deep roots in Filipino culture and serves as a way to keep the memory of lost loved ones alive. The painting serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones. It also highlights the unfortunate social inequalities that exist, where some families may not have the means to provide a proper funeral for their loved ones.