Re-imagining Spaces

Artists transformed the Union Theological Seminary (UTS) campus grounds with their creative art installations from February 9-March 1, 2017.

The Union Theological Seminary was a major partner and venue host of the 2017 PAGHILOM Arts Camp and Festival. The campus’ main oval was utilized to accommodate the majority of the artworks. Other venues include the old administration building and the open grounds surrounding the Salakot Chapel.

Artists were guided by the concept of Paghilom- healing, the improvement of one’s health, to become better by putting things right.

[Widely acknowledged as the] “Father of Philippine Installation Art”- Luis “JunYee” Yee Jr.’s contribution was the main attraction, among the 11 art installations made by artists groups and individuals.

Pagpapahalaga sa Nakaraan (Appreciation for the Past)

by Junyee (Luis Yee, Jr.)

This bamboo installation represents the artist’s aspiration for the Filipino people. Each post represents the country’s three major islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The pyramid formation symbolizes the unity of the diverse peoples and cultures. The artist believes that diversity is the foundation for any nation’s progress. He hopes for all Filipinos to be patriots, and to learn to value their unique identity as a people.

Erehiya (Heresy) by Henry "Bokeng" Ancanan

Erehiya is based on the Filipino farmers' folk beliefs. The installation recalls the rituals that farmers perform in order to secure an abundant harvest. Praying, poetry recital, and doing good deeds before planting are examples of these rituals. According to the artist, heresy is also necessary to attain national prosperity.

Inevitable by Jessie Malaquila

The change is part of the healing process. This artwork explores the idea of reconfiguring old customs and traditions to harmonize with the modern and more rational world. The bamboos symbolize new ways of thinking- acting as agent of change. It shapes old beliefs, represented by the dead wood, into a model of simplicity.

Ang Multo sa Kulambo (The Ghost in the Net)

by Winston Hernandez

Hernandez's installation creates an illusion of ghostly figures floating within the nets. This artwork represents the reality of communities caught in war. During military operations, residents leave in a hurry; leaving most of their belongings behind. Houses are left uninhabited with empty mosquito nets hanging inside.

Awit ni Amihan (Song of the East Wind)

by Edna Garibay

The Awit ni Amihan art installation shows humans and nature can't be separated from each other. Just like humans, the glass bells need air to become alive. Without nature's collaboration this installation of recycled bottles and wood will remain silent decorative pieces. Every sound that the glass bells make is like a person giving affirmation.

Hilom Bayan (Healing of the Nation) by Hermi Santo

Hilom Bayan represents the artist's desire for the country's recovery from environmental and societal ills (corruption, hunger,extra judicial killings, etc). Hermi Santo uses his signature medium, rice hull, to shape a sun with eight rays. In the middle are three cavans in the color of the Philippine flag- red, yellow and blue. Charcoal, a well-known anti-toxin, is scattered in the middle of installation to cleanse the country from disease.

Ilaya (Norte) by Arvin Narvaez

Waking Hour by Kigao Rosimo

We live and breathe, yet it is easy to take life for granted. We value our lives and our property. That is basic among humans. The Human Rights were crafted to protect our being. Yet as we protect our ourselves, the rights of others are trampled. Disrespect for other people’s rights has reached unprecedented levels. Self-preservation rules, disguised as greater good.

Somewhere along the way, something must have gone wrong. All this chaos, all this misery is not part of the grand blueprint of [the Human Rights] conception, or is it? Maybe it is part of the process—live and experience the flaw to realize perfection. Perhaps we are in a dream and we have not woken up. As we come into awareness that this is the reality of this life; does the creator want us to start all over again when we finally open our eyes?

Mulching

by Cristy Ancanan-Tamayo

Mulching film is a protective cover for the soil made of plastic. It maximizes the full potential of the soil and its nutrients and minerals while eliminating harmful chemicals that hinder the plant’s development. Mulch, is a visual representation of our response to our present condition. It shows how we can rebuild our culture and heal ourselves. It reminds us to focus our attention on things that grow. Like the Mulch, we must protect what is valuable and sacred to us.

Sandata by Lirio Salvador

Lirio Salvador is an alchemist of object and sound.He is dedicated to producing/re-producing experimental sound compositions. Elemento makes use of his sculptural assemblages and homemade synthesizers. Salvador’s sculptural assemblages combine visual and sound form.

Untitled by Anonymous

This photography exhibit documents President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. It captures poignant scenes the victims of the extra-judicial killings- individual, the family, and the community. These images set a high contrast against the safe and peaceful campus grounds. It serves a reminder and a catalyst for debate.

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