National Artist Kidlat Tahimik's historical exhibit, first shown in Madrid, will soon open in the Philippines

After making a splash in Madrid, National Artist Kidlat Tahimik's historical exhibit "Magellan, Marilyn, Mickey, and Padre Damaso: 500 Years of Conquistador Rock Stars" will be brought home to the Philippines and be put on display.

The National Museum on social media Monday advised the public about the temporary closure of the National Museum of Anthropology, saying "preparations are underway "for the homecoming exhibition of 'Magellan, Marilyn, Mickey, and Padre Damaso: 500 Years of Conquistador Rock Stars' by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik."

"Due to major installation activities in the building, as well as scheduled repairs and improvements, the National Museum of Anthropology will be CLOSED to the public starting today, JULY 18, 2022," it added.

Its reopening date was not mentioned but the museum said it will reopen with Kidlat Tahimik's monumental exhibit.

"Magellan, Marilyn, Mickey, and Padre Damaso: 500 Years of Conquistador Rock Stars" was first shown in at the Palacio de Cristal of Madrid' Retiro Park, where it drew some 500,000 visitors between October 2021 and March 2022.

Museo Reina Sofia, which commissioned the exhibit, said in a Facebook post back in October 2021, “In this project, Tahimik, reviews the past of the Crystal Palace (built on the occasion of the General Exhibition of the Philippine Islands in 1887) the history of colonialism in the Philippines and the influence of cultural imperialism today."

“The sample is articulated through a large epic scenario composed of three sculptural sets that refer to so many other key moments in the history of colonialism in the Philippines,” it added.

In its Instagram post, the National Museum said "several installations depicting the cultural struggles and aspirations of the Filipino people over the last 500 years feature larger-than-life sculptures, all showcasing Filipino craftsmanship."

Eric Oteyza de Guia, better known as Kidlat Tahimik, is an installation artist, film director, writer and actor known as the “Father of Philippine Independent Film.”

We truly cannot wait for his show to open. How exciting! — LA, GMA News