Norberto Roldan, born in 1953, studied fine art, majoring in visual communication at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila and later obtained a master’s in art studies at the University of Philippines, Diliman. He co-founded the Green Papaya Art Projects, an alternative and multi-disciplinary platform for critical and creative collaborations. He has had several solo exhibitions and group shows, both locally and abroad.‘Invisibilitus Est 1’ is dominated by an old chasuble – a vestment worn by priests during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (Catholic Mass) – with the Christian cross in the centre. Yet the chasuble is studded with 18 metal amulets, known in Tagalog as anting-anting which are protective talismans. For Roldan, both the chasuble and anting-anting are part of the same impetus to represent doctrine and belief in visual terms. ‘Invisibilitus Est 1’ is one of Roldan’s signature works which consistently examine the syncretism that characterizes the practice of Catholicism in the Philippines.
