The National Museum of the Philippines announced last week that they will be hosting four free yoga and meditation classes for an event called Yoga at the Museum. But instead of holding these classes in the number of open-air courtyards in the vicinity or in empty rooms, they will be held at the Spoliarium Hall. Yep, directly in front of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium on the first floor of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila.

Yoga in front of Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium”?

“Yoga at the Museum’s primary aim is to provide experiences in the museum that promotes and improves the wellbeing of an individual through a sensory activity, combining yoga with art therapy,” said the National Museum of the Philippines’ Facebook post. 

The first class was held last October 4 with the theme “Halina.” It was a Vinyasa class hosted by registered yoga instructor Allan Enriquez and attended by 18 students. If you’re curious about meditating in front of an iconic painting, you’ll have to save your curiosity for the next round since registration for all classes are now closed.

Pinoys aren’t pleased

However, while the event is an interesting way to blend art and wellness, it didn’t sit well with many Filipinos. Many called it out as disrespectful and rude both to the art and the artist.

“This is a WTF moment! The “Spolarium” pretext is that of injustice, death, suffering experienced by gladiators and the subtext was the Filipino experience under Spanish colonial power. Yoga in front of this piece that is supposed to disturb you! Some people did not have their thinking cap on,” read one Facebook comment. 

ICYDK, the Spoliarium is believed to be an allegory of the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule. It depicts two dead gladiators being dragged by Romans. 

“These people are so wild. I thought yoga is supposed to bring spiritual harmony to mind and body? I can’t seem to grasp how you will be able to do that infront of a painting depicting injustice, suffering, and death,” said another. 

“It’s very inappropriate to do Yoga in a museum. Respect the artists,” read another comment. 

“We’re not allowed to smile or take wacky pictures with “Spoliarium” but now we’re allowed to yoga?” said yet another. 

Meanwhile, Pinoys are pointing out that yoga in front of a classic painting, let alone inside a museum, isn’t the best for the maintenance of the painting and other art pieces.

“Yung breath and body heat emission may spoil the painting,” pointed out another.

The National Museum has yet to issue a statement about the backlash.

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