EXHIBITION PARCOUR

The mural depicts a Goddess of Creativity, inspired by a spiritual entity who communicates to traditional weavers through making them dream of unique ancient patterns. The Goddess’ huge torch lights the way for Filipino families crossing the seas in a balangay, one of the first boats to bring communities to the Philippine shores. The landscape features sugarcane fields and the Sakadas, sugarcane field workers who originally crossed over to Negros from Panay island. The mural also includes huge endemic fruit trees and the artist’s iconic characters coming together in celebration. On top is an equestrian whose heart and mind glow as bright as the torch he holds tightly in his hand. The whole mural is highlighted by Philippine fireflies, which symbolize a pristine harmony between humanity and nature and are, in Filipino folklore, a message from Diwatas that the place should be respected and cared for.

This 10 meter long mural is now one of the biggest collaborative murals in Leipzig and the only one done by artists in residence coming from Southeast Asia.

Charlie Co / Roedil Geraldo / Perry Argel / RA Tijing / Guenivere Decena/ Erika Mayo / Manny Montelibano / Jun Jun Montelibano / Aeson Baldevia / Brandon Braza / Faye Abantao

Gabaga Nga Paghigugma (Flaming Embers of Love)

My work is not just about materials, but also about the space, objects, and creative process. I use a consistent day-to-day life ritual built by natural encounters and meditative observations to create my art. I don’t have any desire in the process, but I recognize the value in things that are deemed invaluable.
The art residency’s working space is like a museum. The used materials and human traces are not separated from the whole exhibit, which gives an advantage. This small niche is an archive of the objects and assemblages I collected and created during my short stay here in Leipzig. Every parcel informs the whole."

Perry Argel - Travel Diary

This relief sculpture by Roedil Geraldo honors the farmers and Sakadas of his island (Negros, Philippines). Raise Up, which is the root definition "relief," signifies the process of relief sculptures as a result of raising images from a flat surface. This idea is in harmony with the ability of farmers to raise the seeds up from the ground which turn into the community's source of life and energy.

Roedil Geraldo - Raise Up

A diorama of boats (bangka) sailing across, bringing the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines to Germany. The boats symbolize the connection between the Visayan region and Leipzig, Germany, through water. They represent the journey of the artists from Negros to Leipzig, bringing hope, love, and warmth.

Faye Abantao - From Grimm to Paghigugma

The jeepney, the Philippines’ most iconic public transport, is slowly being phased out due to modernization. On this mode of transport, the driver will continue on its route until the passenger says “sa Lugar lang”, an imperative term for finding a place to park!

Brandon Braza - Sa Lugar Lang

Karaoke is an integral part of Filipino culture and is present at almost every occasion, including funerals. Filipinos are known to sing a lot, even if they don’t sound good. Singing is a way for people to express themselves freely and release any stress or tension they may be feeling. In Filipino culture, singing is not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about pouring your heart and soul into the music. Filipinos are known to be very resilient in times of difficulties, and karaoke singing is one way of coping for many.

Erika Mayo - How About Karaoke?

The terno is a traditional Filipino dress that is often worn by women on special occasions such as weddings and balls. It is a long, sleeveless dress with a train, usually made of silk and is often adorned with embellishments. The terno dress is also known as the Filipiniana dress. The terno dress has been through many changes and has evolved over time. It has been influenced by global trade and Hispanicization, and has been worn by women throughout the Philippines for centuries. Today, the terno dress is making a comeback in the Philippines, and is being celebrated as a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Erika Mayo - The Rebirth of the Terno

“Payapang Daigdig,” which means “Peace on Earth,” encapsulates a profound message of harmony and unity amidst challenging circumstances. The song was composed by National Artist for Music Felipe P. De Leon in December 1946, after he witnessed the devastation of Manila during World War II. It was inspired by the ending of the war and the hope for peace and serenity amidst the suffering and loss of countless lives. The song is considered a Filipino Christmas carol. It has become a symbol of the healing power of the arts. The rendition by Herbert Zayco and Regina Saban, both representing diverse backgrounds of Jewish and Middle Eastern descent, adds layers of cultural richness to the call for peace.

Aeson Baldevia - Payapang Daigdig

A multi-channel video installation that combines 4 independent thermal imagery works:
Caroling 1, Mater Dolorosa, Caroling 2 and Palaspas (Palm Sunday).

The Philippines has a predominantly Catholic population. Catholicism has created distinctive versions of celebrating Christmas and Holy Week in the Philippines, which are marked by various religious practices such as attending Mass, confessing sins, and participating in religious processions. These practices reflect the Filipino value of piety and sacrifice.

Manny Montelibano - Jingle Here, Jingle There, Jingle Everywhere