Bittersweet Labor: A Historical and Sociological Examination of Sakada by Noah Sian
- deskvalor
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
By: Jennica Anne Mogan
Introduction
Noah Sian’s Sakada (2019) is an acrylic-on-canvas painting that portrays the realities of sugarcane workers in the Philippines. The artwork features a man carrying harvested sugar cane, showcasing underlying themes of harsh labor conditions and the gigantic burden imposed on the shoulders of farmers. The title, Sakada, originated from the Spanish word meaning “migrant workers”. In the Philippine context, “sakadas” refer to the Filipino contract workers who immigrated to Hawaii from 1906 to 1946. The sakadas worked as laborers on sugar and pineapple plantations.
The painting provides a lens into the disparities faced by many sakadas, including unfair treatment and low wages, as they work hard to survive in the widening socio-economic gap in the country perpetuated by systemic inequalities, economic pressure, and stereotypical images imposed upon sugarcane harvesters. Using the historical and sociological approach, the visual elements of the painting can be analyzed to explore the historical and sociological significance of the sakadas, including their century-long journey of lows from the capitalistic and monopolizing sugarcane industry and on their way to triumph in their fight for their labor rights.
Body
The painting captures a man bearing a heavy load of sugarcane, his figure dominating against a backdrop of the abundant plantation. Muted and earthy tones were utilized to emphasize the natural green and grey colors, underscoring the raw, natural, and difficult conditions faced by the workers. The man's face is etched with somberness and weariness, creating a reflective and melancholic atmosphere for the character. The painting uses the portrait of the worker highlighting the stark contrast between the sweetness of the crop and the bitterness in the realities of a sugarcane farmer.
The sugarcane worker is dressed in modest clothing, including a white head covering, suggesting protection from harsh working conditions such as working long hours under the scorching sun, extreme heat, and physical strain from the repetitive lifting and carrying of heavy stalks. The realistic depiction amplifies the painting's significance by emphasizing the facial expression of the man: (1) furrowed brows and weary eyes reveal the weight of his arduous work; (2) tightly pursed lips suggest the enforced silence under difficult work conditions; and (3) strained arms, laden with a heavy load of sugarcane, convey the worker's unwavering dedication despite the immense physical burden.
The stark contrast between the figure’s darkened skin and the bright yet muted tones of the environment reinforces the physical toll of manual labor. Opposite the bright green background conveying the sweetness of the sugarcane, the man is covered with a darker shade of worn-out clothing which underscores themes of labor struggles, economic inequality, and poverty. The artwork captures themes of labor exploitation of the sakadas, resilience, and the hardships of Filipino agricultural workers. Sakada creates a powerful commentary on the human cost of agricultural labor, especially in the sugarcane industry, urging reflection on the historical and ongoing plight of these workers.
Critical Analysis
From a historical perspective, Sakada sheds light on the struggles of laborers by linking them to the history of sakadas and visually communicating the systemic oppression faced by agricultural laborers. The detailed rendering of the subject’s facial expression and posture immediately conveys enervation and perseverance, reflecting the lived experiences of the workers. The emotional depth in the worker’s facial expression fosters empathy and raises awareness about labor exploitation.
Understanding the exploitation of Filipino farm workers in Hawaii requires examining the early 20th-century period when the Treaty of Paris ceded the Philippines to the United States. Historical context illuminates the ideological underpinnings and motivations of the American government, including white saviorism, paternalism, and racial inferiority toward Filipinos (Gorme, 2021). As evidenced by Frederick Wells Williams' 1913 work, "The Problem of Labor in the Philippines," U.S. ideology framed Filipinos as a "backward race" needing guidance. This "benevolent assimilation" justified U.S. control, portraying it as a civilizing mission rather than colonization, and creating the conditions for Filipino labor exploitation.
The historical record reveals a pattern of exploitation: workers toiling for minimal wages, confined to camps, and denied basic freedom. The workers were placed under a 3-year contract for $20 per month for 10-12 hour days for 26 days every month (Stinton, 2019). Due to their noncitizenship status, their wages are vulnerable to arbitrary withholding. The oppressive system, visually portrayed in dark and muted colors, suggests how the sakadas' struggles have persisted through time.
Using a sociological approach, Sakada effectively portrays the struggles of laborers as a result of systemic social and economic inequalities. Often from impoverished rural areas, the sakadas are forced into physically demanding and low-paying jobs due to the lack of opportunities and systemic failures in agrarian reform (Venus-Maslang 2014). The worker’s burden serves as a metaphor for the long-standing impact of colonial agrarian structures on present-day farmers.
With the depiction of the farmer’s natural brown skin color, the painting also undermines themes of racial discrimination. Baldoz (2004) highlighted how sakadas were denied full citizenship rights and were often perceived by nativists as menaces and rivals in the labor market. Filipinos were considered an inferior race and deemed unqualified for citizenship due to their perceived subordination to whiteness. Additionally, laws prohibiting interracial marriages between Filipinos and white Americans reinforced their marginalized status.
The painting’s portrayal of a laborer in such a raw and unfiltered manner brings attention to the historical and sociological disparities faced by the sakadas. While the painting excels in realistic features, it could benefit from additional visual elements and symbols to further clarify the intended message of the subject. For instance, incorporating more symbols of colonial influence, labor struggles, or plantation structures could further reinforce the historical significance of the subject. Moreover, the limited color palette, though effective in setting the tone, might benefit from subtle variations to enhance depth and visual engagement.
Sakada resonates with broader sociological issues, such as poverty, labor rights, and economic inequality. The painting connects to historical labor movements in the Philippines and the continued struggles of Filipino farmers fighting for fair wages and land reform. Today, the sakadas have remained poor and are paid less than half of the government-mandated minimum wage (Velasco, 2014). Percentage shares of the income of both owners and contractors are much higher compared to the sakadas (Venus-Maslang, 2014). Moreover, the Negros Island, known as the “Sugar Capital of the Philippines”, has reported cases of violence and murder of farmers after a harvest (Niñal, 2022). By bringing attention to these themes, the artwork contributes to discussions on social justice and class dynamics.
Conclusion
Noah Sian’s Sakada successfully captures the essence of labor exploitation and resilience across periods of Philippine history. Through expressive composition, subdued yet evocative color choices, and detailed realism, the painting sheds light on the daily struggles of Filipino farm workers. While the piece could further develop its narrative with additional elements and symbols, it remains a powerful commentary on the nation’s labor history. Addressing the inherently exploitative and racist labor systems is essential to driving progress in employment practices and conditions for the farm workers, Filipino migrant workers, and especially the sakadas. The painting serves as a call to recognize labor injustices and advocate for the workers' rights and protection. As such, the painting stands as an essential piece of Filipino art with a lasting impact on the nation’s understanding of its labor history. Ultimately, the painting embodies the bitter and unjust conditions faced by the sakadas as they persevere in the sugar industry, demonstrating resilience in their bittersweet labor.
REFERENCE LIST
Gorme, P. (2021). Labor Exploitation, Citizenship, and Resistance. ArcGIS StoryMaps. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9fe24e36b95549e4a243062363f1f488
Stinton, E. (2019). Remembering the Sakadas. Khon2. https://www.khon2.com/remembering-hawaii/remembering-the-sakadas/
Venus- Maslang, E. (2014). Sacada: A look at the Hacienda System in the Philippines.
Baldoz, R. (2004). Valorizing racial boundaries: Hegemony and conflict in the racialization of Filipino migrant labour in the United States. Ethnic and Racial Studies,
27(6), 969–986. https://doi.org/10.1080/0141987042000268558
Velasco, L. (2014). Filipino Sugarcane Workers are Nearly the Walking Dead. Munchies.
Niñal, Angel Queen. (2022). JOURNEYING INTO THE LIVES OF YOUNG SAKADAS: A NARRATIVE INQUIRY. 10.13140/RG.2.2.17353.83042/1.
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