Manila’s Metropolitan Theater (MET) has opened a new exhibit. It celebrates National Artist Kidlat Tahimik. The show is called “Portraits of a National Artist as Kultur Warrior.” It is the first in the MET’s 2026 National Artists series.
The exhibit honors Tahimik’s life and work. He is a filmmaker and champion of indigenous identity. It highlights his fight against cultural colonialism. The opening featured Tahimik himself. He discussed a 40-year film project. It tells the story of a Filipino slave with Ferdinand Magellan.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) supports the exhibit. Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph R. Corpuz spoke at the opening. He said, “Nawa’y magsilbing paanyaya ang eksibit na ito na patuloy nating ipaglaban at ipagdiwang ang ating kultura — nang may tapang, pagkamalikhain, at pagmamalaki.”
For 50 years, artists have portrayed Tahimik. His “crazy-artist” look inspires many. He is known for his goatee, dreadlocks, and Bamboo Camera. The exhibit includes over 50 portraits. They range from a 1973 painting by his wife to 2025 sketches by his grandchildren. Other works are by Nonoy Marcelo, Boy Yñiguez, and Chris Atiwon.
Artists call him “Tatay.” Their art shows deep respect. It captures a culture warrior from the Cordillera region. The exhibit runs from February 11 to 28, 2026. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the MET Gallery.