An exploration of the story of the ifugaos of Batad, Banaue, as told in digital renderings by Trina Laya.
This collection was part of a student exhibit that included three other artists, who travelled to the mountain province and interviewed the locals, so that we may be able to reach out to those in need. The exhibit was held in Aug 29-31, 2015, at Art Galilea, Serendra, BGC, Taguig City
The project consists of four (4) illustrations, drawn with the inspiration of the Anitos kept in mind. Anitos are idols, used to represent the spirits of the deceased ancestors, household deities, nature-nymphs and diwatas (druids). This particular Anito is referred by the locals as the “Rice God”, who is in charge of watching over the rice fields.
The Anitos were used as a representation of the culture and tradition of the ifugao indigenous tribes of Banaue, while the child represents the new generation of youth. For this exhibit, we visited Batad, Banaue, whose main color is Red.
We visited a tribe where we interviewed a our transient owner, one of the last weavers in the tribe, and a couple of their youths about their home to get a clearer view of their situation. Thanks to the storms and typhoons plaguing the country, most farmers are slowly seeing their profits withering away.
There is a growing fear, with the youth seeking out more profitable jobs in the city, that there would be no more people to take care of their fields.
But for them, there is nothing but love for their home, so are they deeply saddened by the growing ignorance of their country. Most of the youth we talked to always planned to come back home, once they have enough power to save it.
But for them, there is nothing but love for their home, so are they deeply saddened by the growing ignorance of their country. Most of the youth we talked to always planned to come back home, once they have enough power to save it.
In hopes of curbing their problems, our exhibition was meant to showcase their tradition, as well as their situation; and to create and sell original merchandise so that we may give back to them who offered us nothing but kindness and generosity.
