Born in 1953 in the Philippines, Renato Habulan is one of the three notable social realist painters, working during the Marcos period. He was a founding member of Kaisahan, a group of socially committed artists established in 1976. Habulan is also an active member of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines. As part of his involvement for the cause, Habulan actively participated in community-based projects and immersed himself with the community of farmers and laborers. His interest in theater and performance is evident in his pictorial composition. [see above]‘Dulang Bayan (Drama of the Nations)’ is a painting of juxtaposed portraits of individuals or a multi-figure composition representing the two extremes in the economic strata. Habulan who has an interest in organizing labour-based theater and cultural groups, depicts the figures in poses reminiscent of those seen on stage or at indignation rallies; he is a keen participant of the latter and they have given him deeper insights and a grasp of the real conditions at the grassroots level.
