First Lady

In First Lady, (2012), Roldan presents an image of the former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, at the height of her fame and power in the 1970s. She was renowned for her elegance, excessive lifestyle, and her “edifice complex.” Juxtaposed with her image is a found text from the novel, Mass, by Philippine National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose. Set during the turbulent years before and after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, the novel’s story unfolds amidst the struggle for human rights and mass protests against Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s administration.

This painting from 2012 critiques the fragmented political system and the seemingly short memories of the Filipino people. Indeed, in the 20 years since Imelda Marcos and her children returned to the Philippines after the exile and death of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the family had strengthened its political base across the country, eventually enabling Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr to follow in his father's footsteps and win the presidency in 2022.