Pablo Baens Santos (1943) was born in the Philippines and is major figure in the Social Realist movement there. He was trained in the University of the Philippines, College of Fine Art. Santos was an illustrator with one of Philippines' leading newspaper, Manila Times, and also one of the founding members of the Kaisahan group, a social realist art group formed in 1976. His works highlight the plight of the rural and urban poor and his concerns about the Filipino social conditions with symbols, such as flags. Belonging to the first wave of social realist artists, Santos' works advocate change and address a wide range of issues that plagued the urban workers then. Throughout 1970s and 1980s, his works often feature the impoverished working class and their struggle. In 'Manipesto (Manifesto)', the artist attempts to run towards his country and people but was held back by forces of the market. While speaking up for those struggling, Santos is also reflecting upon his own concerns - the role of an artist in society and the association of art with the market.
