Cargo and Decoy 1988

Roberto Chabet, a seminal figure in Philippine conceptual art, created “Cargo and Decoy” using simple materials: wooden sawhorses and blue-painted boards. The installation, with its repeated forms, evokes ideas of movement, industry, and perhaps even mimicry. Chabet's work often questioned the nature of art itself, challenging the established norms of the Philippine art scene. The repetitive use of simple, almost mundane materials suggests a commentary on mass production and the cultural landscape of the Philippines. The title "Cargo and Decoy" hints at the transportation of goods and the idea of deception or misdirection. To understand Chabet's work fully, it helps to delve into the history of Philippine art institutions and the debates around artistic identity in the post-colonial era. Researching the artist's writings and the critical reception of his exhibitions provides valuable insight into how his art challenged existing social norms and critiqued artistic institutions. His work invites us to consider the role of art as a reflection and critique of its socio-political context.