Gedichte, a group exhibition of artists from the Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts, explores the psyche and experiences of Jose P. Rizal in Heidelberg, Germany.

 

The exhibit marks the re-opening of Sining Kamalig at its new home, the second level of Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

 

Among the numerous cities worldwide the national hero toured in his wanderlust, Heidelberg was notable. When he first arrived there on Feb. 3,  1886, he fell in love with the place. It is in this city in Baden Wurttemberg, Germany, where his legacy is still revered.

 

Rizal was struck by German girls as being “serious, studious, very much attached to their work and totally unintimidated by men.”

 

Seized by a longing for his family and country, he was inspired by the early spring flowers along the river Neckar to create the moving poem,  “To the Flowers of Heidelberg”:

 

“Carry, carry, oh flowers,

My love to my loved ones,

Peace to my country and its fecund loam,

Faith to its men and virtue to its women,

Health to the gracious beings

That dwell within the sacred parental home.”

 

The last chapters of his revolutionary novel, “Noli Me Tangere,” was penned in Heidelberg

 

Gedichte is held on the 153rd year of Rizal’s Heidelberg sojourn.

 

Participating artists are Jerome Destacamento, Rodenhel Dizon, Jojie Lim, Camille Mamaril, Karen Nabong and Diana Santos.

 

Gedichte opened last July 22 with Gemma Cruz Araneta and Morriel A. Abogado as guests of honor.

 

Curated by Jes Evangelista, the exhibition runs at the Sining Kamalig until Aug. 19.