MADONNA OF THE SLUMS

By Vicente Manansala

The title of the painting itself gives you an idea of what is it all about. The
painting indeed has a lot of stories to tell, it speaks about a lot of issues in our country
as well. This painting from Vicente Manansala depicts the reality of most Filipino who
lives in squatter settlements. There is clear evidence of that in the painting, as we can
see in the background where the artist uses a clump of shack-like houses. The use of
color, gradient, and texture in the painting is noticeable and it adds power to its
message.
Also, in the painting, I can infer that Madonna the mother in the painting was
sad, given the pity life they have, how her eyes were drawn in that way, and probably
she has no stable work, so she cannot provide for his son’s welfare. One clear
evidence is the child was drawn thinner and it can be compared to a real malnourished
child. Another evidence I find in the painting is the clothes they wear, Madonna has a
loose top which indicates that it is an item of old clothing and probably only clothing
she has, and her son doesn’t have any clothing she just has a piece of white clothing
to act as covering and a diaper at the same time.
Lastly, this painting can be related to the rampant issue of our country which is
poverty. Since most people who reside at squatter settlements are those who have an
income or salary that is below average. I believe that is the socio-economic status of
Madonna. The key issue here is corruption because if there is no such thing in our
government poverty cannot prosper or might not exist as one of the significant issues
in our country. The government must look at this painting and understand its message.
They must do everything they can to alleviate or end the corruption and poverty issue
that is been going on for decades now. I believe one day that there will be no more
Madonna and Slum areas in our country in the future and all of us lives equally and
healthily.