Landscape as an artistic genre developed during 16th century European painting as a technical term to literally and philosophically define the land (space, place, nature and built environment) as something picturesque and contained. Nature could be composed and its complexity simplified to colour and form. However, the rise of landscape painting also coincided with the emergence of anthropology. As human intervention increased within the land, its understandings became intrinsically linked to the social, political and cultural human moulding of place. Landscape became a process or performative stage for human history as well an epic powerful natural force. As a result, what emerges are the universal concepts of country and nation, its landscape and peoples, as a shifting zone of activity where natural and human identity is in constant flux.

Before the Rain takes as a starting point, a nostalgic view of landscape as a place of natural beauty and urban complexity that is also governed by seasonal changes such as the monsoon and typhoon season here in the Philippines. The anticipation of both regenerating and destructive natural forces creates feelings of tension and excitement that become symbolic references to human emotion and the psyche. By looking at the world around us and Man’s relationship to Nature the exhibition provides a glimpse at the contemporary landscape as both a artistic genre as well as a strategy to observe and comment on the socio-cultural conditions of the Philippines.