Born in Manila, the Philippines, Roberto Feleo (b. 1954) studied history at University of the Philippines and graduated from Philippine Women’s University with a degree in fine arts. His interest is in the early history of the Philippines and critiques of effects of colonialization on the country. Feleo has participated in international exhibitions such as the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (1999).This series of works revolves around the historical event of the Basi Revolt in 1807 in which a local rebellion broke out against the Spanish monopoly of ‘basi’ (sugarcane) wine, which is essential for communion in local religious rites. Contained in a virina is Esteban Villenueva, the artist commissioned by the Spanish in 1821 to record their triumph in 14 oil panels. These paintings are possibly the oldest surviving paintings of a secular subject in the Philippines.
