A bronze bust of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, is set to take center stage at an upcoming solo exhibition by Filipina-American sculptor Elaine Antonio Bordeaux.
The exhibit, titled Courage, will be unveiled at Castle Litoměřice in the Czech Republic, running from October 5 to 31, 2024, in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Known for her evocative sculptures, Bordeaux portrays Rizal as a symbol of intellectual rigor and unyielding resilience.
The bronze bust honors his pivotal role in the Philippines’ struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule.
“Rizal embodies not just the fight for freedom but the enduring power of ideas in the face of tyranny,” Bordeaux said in a statement.
The choice of Litoměřice as the venue carries historical weight. The town was home to Ferdinand Blumentritt, a Czech ethnographer and one of Rizal’s closest confidants.
Their correspondence, spanning years, was instrumental in shaping Rizal’s reformist vision.
Blumentritt’s support for Rizal’s cause has long been seen as a symbol of cross-cultural solidarity, cementing ties between the Philippines and Central Europe.
Their shared ideals of justice and national identity are reflected in the town’s ongoing connection to Rizal’s legacy.
The Courage exhibition is part of a broader series of events marking five decades of diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and the Philippines, featuring lectures, performances, and exhibitions that highlight the countries’ historical and cultural links.
Bordeaux emphasized the profound relevance of Rizal’s ideals today.
“Litoměřice stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and justice, making it an ideal site for honoring Rizal,” she noted.
The exhibit is expected to draw wide interest, encouraging visitors to reflect on themes of heroism, resilience, and the broader significance of courage across borders.
Bordeaux’s work seeks to ignite global conversations around Rizal’s legacy, inviting viewers to engage with his life and message in a contemporary context.