The campus, specifically, the School of Design and Arts building has exhibited murals from different artists and the students themselves over these years. And without a doubt, this new addition to the campus’ art will definitely catch the attention of those who pass by this piece of work entitled “HINDI TOTOO.”
At first glance, it might give you a slight sense of terror once you see the fire exit of this school. But don’t let that stop you from exploring this mural along a stairway which was recently unveiled at De La Salle – College of St. Benilde’s School of Design and Arts along Pablo Ocampo Street in Malate, Manila. Check out the pictures for yourself:
Personally, I am quite curious about how it looks like in real life but also, in a worst-case scenario moment, I’ll be terrified to pass by this stairway on my own. Here’s an exclusive insight about the artwork with one of CCP’s 13 Artist Awardee for 2018, Rasel Trinidad, who is also known as “Doktor Karayom.”
What’s the exhibit about?
“Ang HINDI TOTOO eksibit ay inspired sa mga Philippine folklore at myth, tungkol ito sa mga sari saring kababalaghan na naikwento sa atin simula pa nung bata hanggang sa pagtanda na para sa akin ay nakuhanan ko ng inspirasyon para lumikha din ako ng sarili kong mga karakter, kasama na ito sa kultura natin,” he mentioned.
(Rough translation: The exhibit “HINDI TOTOO” is inspired by Philippine folklore and myth with their various phenomena that have been told to us since childhood until we are older. It has been my inspiration to create my own characters that are included in our culture.)
“Isa sila sa ng payaman sa mga imahinasyon ng tao, para sa akin sila ang mga ispirito ng kalikasan, marami pa syang ibig sabihin eh, depende sa tao na titingin.tulad ng pwede itong maging panloob na demonyo o kasamaan ng tao, panandaliang takot, masayang nakakatakot, bukod dito ito din ay tungkol sa kung paano tayong mga syudad tumigin sa mga nakatira sa probinsya, paano tayo maghusga, paano tayu magmasid, na baka nakakalimutan na ng mga bagong hinirasyon na matakot,o baka nawawalan na sila ng oras paganahin ang kanilang imahinasyon, sana hindi.”
(Rough translation: They are one of the things that expand our imaginations. For me they are the spirits of nature, that is, of course, it depends on how the person looks at it. As it can be an internal demon or a person’s evil, temporary fear, it’s a bit frightening. It’s also about how we refrain from living in the province where the new generation may have lost the time to use their imagination, I hope not.)
What do you hope to achieve / what’s your message to viewers of your exhibit?
“Gusto ko ipakita na masaya ang matakot, harapin ang sariling demonyo, at alamin kung saan nanggaling ang mga nilalang, dahil bawat nilalang ay kanya kanyang ganda ng lugar na pinanggalingan. Ginawa ko din itong pyesa na ito para mabigyan sila ng panandaliang excitement pag nakita nila, matakot saglit, magulat, mamangha. Sana pagpasok nila dito ay dito rin nila ilabas yung bigat ng pakiramdam nila, sama ng loob, at hayaan itong higupin ng nga nilalang sa pader upang gumaan ang kanilang pakiramdam, na paglabas nila ay okay na sila.”
(Rough translation: I want to show that it is fun to be afraid, to confront our own demons, and know where these creatures come from because every creature has its beautiful place of origin. I also made this piece to give them a momentary excitement for when they see it, they can be scared, surprised, or shocked. Hopefully, as they enter, the weight of their feelings will be lost, letting the creatures of the wall lighten their senses, and as they leave, they’ll be okay.)
Apparently, it also took two weeks to create the whole output. Here’s a video of the mural inside the school:
Credits to: Gerardo Valmoja Jr.
It is now open to the public, you only need to give your ID at the entrance and ask for directions going to the artwork. The mural is located in De La Salle – College of St. Benilde’s School of Design and Arts along Pablo Ocampo Street in Malate, Manila. The artist encourages people to have a photo shoot their whether it’s for a thesis, profile picture or a prenup.
Would you want to have a photoshoot here?
