When we say art, what is the first thing that slips in our mind? Is it our favorite painting? Our
favorite artwork? Or our loved ones? Art can be anything. Art is not just a piece of paper with colors on
it. Art can be defined as art once you decide to call it an art. When you say art makes society, it means
that art is the reflection of people’s culture and society. Art is an expression of inner thoughts and feelings
of oneself. Art reflects our personality and interests.
One of the most iconic artwork in the Philippines is the Spoliarium that was painted by Juan
Luna. This is a good example of “art makes society.” This artwork is the symbol of patriotism and
nationalism that helped our fellow Filipinos rise up to fight the oppression against the spaniards. This
painting reflects our social, moral and political life. We need to fight to survive and live another day. This
masterpiece of Juan Luna inspired Dr. Rizal to write the famous ‘Noli Me Tangere’ which became
revolutionary. It was about the corruption and brutality of the spaniards. It inspired many people and
different generations to not be afraid to criticize and fight the corrupt government in order for us to
achieve our freedom. It became part of our culture and history.
The masterpiece of Juan Luna is not just a painting on a canvas. It depicts the moral,social and
the political life of the people. Gladiators have fought to die and to entertain the spaniards. When Juan
Luna made that painting it gave people the symbol of patriotism and nationalism and helped them rise
against oppression which inspired Dr. Rizal to make one of the revolutionary books in the history of the
Philippines that helped to shape the country’s culture and society now.