Lit-ag is a series of oil paintings on canvas that delves into the theme of traps in our society, specifically the economic traps we find ourselves in daily life. It examines the various traps that exist within our society, including poverty, debt, consumerism, and even social media. Maralita highlights the ways in which these traps are interconnected and how they can lead to a cycle of economic hardship that is difficult to escape from.
Bubu
Oil on canvas
48x36 in
"Bubu" depicts a man trapped by a faceless woman luring him with a hand that symbolizes the seductive and addictive nature of social media. This piece is a commentary on how social media has become a modern-day trap, often leaving us feeling powerless and disconnected from the world around us. It serves as a reminder to step back and take a critical look at our relationship with social media and to be mindful of its impact on our lives.
Kom-Kom
Oil on canvas
36x48 in
"Kom-Kom" is a powerful representation of how people can be trapped in circumstances beyond their control. In this painting, we see a man wearing a coat and tie, holding a banana in one hand while the other hand is trapped inside a coconut fruit. His tie is being pulled by an unseen force, indicating the struggle to break free from these circumstances.
Loy-Loy
Oil on canvas
36x24 in
"Loy-Loy" on the other hand is a commentary on the trap of seeking economic freedom through overseas work. In this painting, we see a man submitting his bio-data for a chance to work abroad. However, the trap is evident in the underlying message that the pursuit of economic freedom may come at a high cost. Leaving one's country and loved ones behind to work in a foreign land can often lead to exploitation, loneliness, and separation from one's cultural identity.
Bintol
Oil on canvas
36x24 in
“Bintol" vividly illustrates the trap of false hope and shattered dreams. In this painting, we see a drunken man carrying a bottle of gin, caught in a fishnet held through the nose by another person. The imagery represents the aspirations of wealth brought about by the lies of those in positions of power. The helpless and hopeless people are lured into false hopes of a better life, only to find themselves trapped in a web of deceit and exploitation.
Lit-ag (A, B, C)
Oil on canvas
18x24 in each
This series of works presents different types of traps in my hometown. The titles, which are in Waray, present works that depict the various ways that people can become ensnared by social, economic, and cultural forces. Whether it is the lure of social media, the false hope of economic prosperity, or the exploitation of those in power, I hope that my works will serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of critical thinking and awareness in navigating the world around us.
Lorebert Maralita
About the Artist
Lorebert, an aspiring artist studying Fine Arts at the Adventist University of the Philippines, deeply empathizes with the Maralita, the marginalized and humble sector of society. Through his art, he sheds light on the struggles faced by the working class, including factory workers, laborers, and farmers. Guided by a profound belief in the interconnectedness of all things and a quest for wholeness, Lorebert's creative process takes shape. He expresses these interlinked narratives through his innovative use of double-exposed videos and photos, as well as deconstructed paintings that incorporate found objects and are punctured and woven together. Lorebert's artistic journey began in 2016, and since then, he has garnered numerous accolades across different media categories, such as the Vision Petron Art Competition and the National Shell Art Competition. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Lorebert actively engages in volunteer work, participating in independent advocacies and recently lending his talents to the Art Tugon outreach program, providing assistance to the Taal evacuees in Brgy. Tumaway, Talisay, Batangas.