The commemoration of Juan Luna as a nationalist illustrates the dynamic and selective nature of public memory

This paper examines the creation and configuration of public memory in the Philippines by studying the case of Juan Luna. It investigates the historical context of public memory’s evolution and the roles of various institutions and individuals in this process.

My study focuses on the Ayala Museum’s 2023 exhibition, which commemorated the 125th anniversary of the Philippines’ independence by showcasing Luna’s long-lost painting, Hymen, oh Hyménée. This exhibition aimed to present Juan Luna as a hero in the nationalist struggle. I examine how this memory of Luna as a hero was formed. I do this by drawing on concepts from public memory studies. I delve into the historical context and the roles of various public and private institutions and individuals in shaping public memory. I argue that Luna’s public memory is rooted in a nationalist interpretation of his achievements, initially promoted by nationalist writers and later adopted by the state. Private museums also play a significant role in this process by incorporating Luna into the national narrative through their exhibitions. Additionally, public memory is continuously influenced by popular memory, which is reinforced through ongoing local commemorations in Luna’s hometown.

My study highlights the dynamic and selective nature of public memory, showing how it is continually reframed to suit national and local imperatives. It emphasizes the importance of Luna’s international artistic achievements and their relevance to the Philippines’ national identity. The paper is the first to utilize public memory concepts in the examination of a national hero figure from 19th-century Philippines.

Author: Grace Liza Y. Concepcion (Department of History, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0967828X.2025.2456869