A Critique Paper of the Artwork MADONNA IN THE SLUMS By Vicente Manansala

A Critique Paper of the Artwork MADONNA IN THE SLUMS By Vicente Manansala Vicente Manansala's "Madonna in the Slums," created in 1950, stands as a significant work within the modernist movement of the 20th century. This painting not only reflects the influence of Pablo Picasso's renowned style but also showcases Manansala's innovative approach known as transparent cubism. Through this artwork, Manansala poignantly captures the socio-economic struggles faced by the urban poor in post-war Manila. The painting shows a mother and a child in front of the houses, showing the urban poor during post-war Manila. In the background, they are tightly packed, makeshift houses, hanging clothes, and intertwined electrical posts, portraying a sector with people suffering from poverty. The cubism pattern is more seen in the houses at the back compared to geometrical figures with light shades in the main subject on how the loops and walls meet at different angles, conveying a sense of grounding. The lines are used to create appearances of those predominantly brown tones dirty, while some are darker tones to show shadows capturing the sadness, anxiety, and insecurity mood of the variant. If you look closely at the mother, you will notice how her round shirt is closely worn. The child she’s carrying has nothing to cover his body, showing they lack social beautification, dignity, solidity, and broadly structured lines. The mother has the skin and the worry look, and the way the child is holding somewhat protects his mother from the cruelty and injustice of the world. Also, another thing that is quite noticeable is the gaze of the mother, who seemingly thinks about an uncertain future. For its context, Manansala’s paintings are known for their consistent fusing of the Mario and the City cultures. This painting was inspired by the streets of Manila after the war. Lastly, the painting showcases the difficulty the war has given to Filipinos.