MAKATI CITY — The Ayala Museum will host a special talk titled "Visual Art Representations of World War II in the Philippines: Different Perspectives of a Shared Tragedy" on August 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Presented by the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL) in conjunction with the exhibition "Between Two Worlds: A Philippine Diary, 80 Years Ago" by Shinichi Komatsu, the lecture will be led by historian Ricardo Jose, PhD. The event invites the public to explore how artists and witnesses have visually documented one of the most significant periods in Philippine history.
Exploring Wartime Through Art and Personal Accounts
The talk is part of a series of programs accompanying the Komatsu exhibition, which features the richly illustrated "Ryojin Nikki" (Prisoner's Diary). This visual diary, created by a Japanese civilian engineer who became a prisoner of war in the Philippines, offers a unique and personal perspective on the conflict. The August 15 lecture, titled "Visual Histories," will delve into broader themes of how visual art captures the complexities of war, memory, and reconciliation. The exhibition itself is free and open to the public, running until August 16.
A Shared History Across Generations
This program marks the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship and also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Filipinas Heritage Library . By featuring Japanese-language materials from FHL's Roderick Hall Collection, the exhibition offers complementary perspectives on the war, encouraging dialogue and a deeper understanding between the two nations. Dr. Karl Ian Uy Cheng Chua, a co-curator of the exhibition, invites audiences to "allow ourselves to remember and reflect on the past through the eyes of another".
A Must-Attend for History and Art Enthusiasts
The talk is ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and anyone interested in the intersection of visual arts and historical memory. Tickets are available at bit.ly/fhl-eventsportal. The Ayala Museum is located at the corner of Makati Avenue and De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City.
