Artists convey message to help Mother Earth in concrete wall art (with pics c/o Neil Ongchangco)
Another concrete wall has been transformed into a giant canvas by artists of Baguio.
The mural, located at the corner of Palispis-Aspiras Highway and Legarda Road was designed by 12 artists from the Baguio Educators Arts Guild, Sin-agi Group of Artists, Fine Arts students of the Baguio City High School Special Program for the Arts, and young artists mentored by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., who is also into painting.
Unveiled on May 18, the nine feet by 50 feet mural carries themes about social and environmental issues.
One area of the mural shows bikers traversing Baguio’s roads, which represents biking as an environment-friendly alternative to motor vehicles and another area is a reimagined Buyog watershed where the forested area and residential area are clearly delineated. It aims to raise awareness that the remaining watersheds of Baguio should be preserved for the future generation.
“We hope to address urban decay as our legacy for the future generation. This mural helps raise awareness about climate change. We have to act fast and we have to act now,” said Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who was guest of honor during the unveiling.
The mayor also donated P50,000 to the artists who may use the money for trainings to hone their craft or for the purchase of materials for painting.
The mural which the artists call the “climate action wall” aims to send a message through art that the public should do their share in protecting the environment.
The project was conceived in December 2022 and the actual painting started in February.
Another artist, Jason Quinopez helped curate the painting of the wall.
Yangot, who has been organizing art exhibits and informal arts classes since he returned from Switzerland, said the remaining vacant space of the concrete wall will be painted by people in the autism spectrum.
After the climate action wall, more concrete walls will be painted by local artists.
Yangot said 16 barangays have requested for Baguio artists to also paint bare or vandalized concrete walls in their area. The councilor said a meeting will be set with interested barangays for their counterpart for the project.
Brushes, food, and allowances for the artists were donated by Yangot from the sale of his paintings and the paint was donated by Davies Paints. – Rimaliza A. Opiña
