Adam Kag Eva Sa Samal

The title of this piece translates from Ilonggo, my native Filipino language, as “ADAM AND EVE IN SAMAL.” There’s a bit of a story behind it. 

Samal is an island across the bay from Davao in Mindanao, the southernmost island in the Philippines. Our host had a property where there was this huge bat cave. Its primal quality attracted me and I decided to paint it as a tropical Garden of Eden. This, of course, required an Adam and Eve. Scripturally, they should be naked. But for cultural and commercial reasons, I dressed them in the native attire of the local tribes from the island.

I’m aware that the talking snake is missing. I must have subconsciously substituted the ominous flying bats for the snake who tempts Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit. So, theologically, this not only doesn’t work but also portends an ecological denouement. We learned from the foundation which protects the bats that they are night pollinators and absolutely necessary for plant reproduction, thus sustaining life on earth. God, in His infinite wisdom, established this plan from the beginning, saying, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole Earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” (Gen.1:29)

One advantage for artists using the Biblical narrative is that many people are already familiar with the stories. This audience shares with the artist a ready-made foundation for understanding, discussion, speculation and even playfulness. Thank you for bearing with my playful imagination.