Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila will feature a giant jeepney installation from acclaimed Filipino artist Toym Imao at its heart as part of its tribute to the 125th Independence Day of the Philippines.
Originally intended as a heartfelt tribute to the resilient jeepney drivers impacted by the pandemic, the country’s biggest jeepney installation made out of yarn returns as a symbol of Philippine culture and perseverance—the perfect centerpiece for the mall’s grand Independence Day exhibit.
Photo from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls
The iconic jeepney will be joined by more nostalgia-driving art pieces from Project Hulmahan’s exhibit to highlight Imao’s giant jeepney installation at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, which will run until June 18.
“I have worked with Megaworld and its owners in the past, and I am a frequent visitor here so it was an easy decision to make. It also helped that the mall already has a specific artwork in mind to feature,” shared Imao in a brief media event for the installation.
The partnership demonstrates Megaworld’s mall operating arm’s commitment to showcase Filipino culture through products and art across its properties. Imao’s work combines spectacle and intimacy, depicting images and symbols that highlight the familiar elements of Filipino childhood and culture.
“It’s a public art installation meant to be seen by the public so Lucky Chinatown Mall is a good venue. “Celebrating Freedom” also appealed to me because I am a history buff,” he added.
Lastly, with a successful career spanning 30 years, Imao plans to build a place where he can showcase all his creative works and where he can host art residencies, give workshops with friends and fellow artists, and build a vibrant artist community outside Metro Manila. “I saw many talented and passionate young people who unfortunately did not make the cut because they lacked proper skills and training,” Imao said.
Photo from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls
As for Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, its goal is to develop this partnership with Imao and other local artists, thus continuing the promise to create platforms for more local products, businesses, and artists to be featured on their premises.
“We are striving to give our local artists the proper platform amplification assistance we can provide for them as Megaworld Lifestyle Malls wants to be at the forefront of such a movement, to be recognized as a company that supports the arts and culture in all its endeavors year-round. We hope that this will be a start of something bigger for us and Toym down the road,” shared Lucky Chinatown general manager Norico Mizoguchi.
Get to see Toym Imao’s iconic jeepney made out of yarn along with Project Hulmahan’s exhibit of art pieces depicting traditional Filipino games at the atrium of Lucky Chinatown on Independence Day, and will remain available to the public until June 18, and have a blast with the rest of the day’s festivities.
