Mark Salvatus: Notes from the New World

Ongoing until November 6, 2023 at the UP Vargas Museum 3F Galleries, Mark Salvatus: Notes from the New World-

A multi-media installation, Notes from the New World aims to create a new narrative of history in the contemporary context by overlapping different narratives through videos inspired by the vinyl collection of the artist’s father that piqued Salvatus’ curiosity about The Philippine Army Band.
A multi-media installation, Notes from the New World aims to create a new narrative of history in the contemporary context by overlapping different narratives through videos inspired by the vinyl collection of the artist’s father that piqued Salvatus’ curiosity about The Philippine Army Band.

The Philippine Constabulary Band, formed in 1901 by African-American Lt. Walter Loving of the US Army’s 48th Volunteer Infantry, participated in numerous international competitions and played for political figures such US President William Howard Taft (during his 1909 inauguration), the Japanese Emperor, and the Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani. The band was disbanded during World War II, where most of its members were killed and instruments were lost. The band was reorganized in 1946, and placed under the service of the Philippine Army. It was led by Col. Antonino Buenaventura, National Artist for Music, for 16 years. The band was later renamed the Philippine Army Band.

Notes from the New World is also composed of objects, photographs, and videos, making the whole 3F Gallery one installation work that references notions of history, music, popular culture, attachment, and nostalgia.

Mark Salvatus (b. 1980) is a contemporary artist living and working between Manila and Osaka. He works across various disciplines and media that deal with chance encounters and everyday politics creating his own narrative, interpretations and visual language. His works have been presented in different exhibitions and venues including Sungdu-An 5 (2009), 3rd Singapore Biennale (2011), 4th Guangzhou Triennale (2011), XIV Jakarta Biennale (2011), Koganecho Bazaar (2011), Hotel Inmigrantes, Manifesta 9, Hasselt, Belgium (2012), Prologue Exhibition: Honolulu Biennale (2014), Survival Kit Festival, Umea (2014); Museum Bärengasse, Zurich; Center for Contemporary Art, Singapore; Arts House, Meat Market, Melbourne, Ateneo Art Gallery, Cultural Center of the Philippines and Metropolitan Museum of Manila. He recently presented a solo exhibition at 1335Mabini in Manila.