By Lem Atienza
A year after the Philippines was put into lockdown, the desire to move and escape confinement grows stronger.
It is what this collaborative work is about.
On the surface, “GALAW! GALAW!” illustrates the craving of human bodies to be released from the confines of our homes. Dig deeper and you will see a commentary on the government’s slow-paced efforts in alleviating the effects of this health crisis in our country.
The COVID-19 pandemic has physically, mentally, and financially affected all Filipinos. We are physically barred and metaphorically constrained inside a box. As we float awake in the dark waters of our lives’ uncertainty, we shall vigorously move our way out of stagnancy and danger.
“GALAW! GALAW!” consists of nine traditional paintings and digital photos made by student-artists from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Manila, Far Eastern University, Technological University of the Philippines, and University of the Philippines Diliman. The project also features apparel by Kelvin Morales and accessories by Joshua Baldomero of CraftStudioPH.
(The author is a 21-year-old photographer and creative director currently pursuing his undergraduate degree in Digital Filmmaking at Benilde’s School of Design and Arts. He was one of the top five finalists in the Panasonic Manila Fashion Festival Season X photography contest.)