The Tokyo-born Taiwanese artist Michael Lin holds his first exhibit in the Philippines entitled “Michael Lin: Locomotion” and displays the bold floral patterns for which he has become internationally recognized. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) comes alive with the bright and bold, colorful splashes of gigantic floral patterns, which many find as a refreshing change from the usual whitewashed walls of a gallery or an exhibit area.
Known for reconfiguring public spaces and transforming traditionally aseptic exhibit venues into dynamic, lively settings by which to showcase his work, Lin attempts to transform the way art is perceived by the public, reworking unusual places into engaging exhibit spaces, for instance – a bookstore, sprawling tennis court, expansive atriums and community centers and halls, and these have become popular in in Switzerland, Hawaii, China, the US, Japan, France and Portugal.
The artist treats each surface where he places his art as not mere canvases but spaces in which humans can engage and interact. According to Lin, he wants his art to be part of the community and his artworks allow engagement with the public, which should come as no surprise therefore that for Locomotion, he has collaborated with local pedicab drivers who lent the source of their livelihood, and the ordinary man’s mode of transportation, to become part of Lin’s exhibit. Inside the exhibition hall, students and visitors can sit around on the floral chairs and outside the streets and eskinitas of Manila, one may just chance upon Lin-painted floral pedicabs roaming the city.
The exhibit area itself lends a happy vibe, as if the artworks themselves are smiling as people pass by with a twinkle in their eyes, making one feel that the whimsical effect of the space has rubbed off on visitors. And as for the 15 pedicab operators driving around Manila with their tarps painted in bouquets of pink, orange and yellow flowers, Lin will forever be ingrained in their memories.
Michael Lin: Locomotion can be viewed at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Ground Floor, DLS-CSB School of Design and Arts Campus, Dominga Street, Malate, Manila. The show runs until May 21 and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays to Fridays, and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Visit mcadmanila.org.ph for more information.