"Sa Birthday ni Blas"
The installation was inspired by the "pabitin". This is a traditional children’s game played during special gatherings. It consists of a grid-like bamboo frame, placed horizontally where prizes or gifts are suspended. Children are gathered underneath the pabitin and try to reach for the best prize once it is lowered. Usually the pabitin is lowered abruptly and the children attempt to get hold of whatever price they are able to reach. In this case, unusual toys are at stake.
The installation plays with tensions. What is beautiful? What is ugly? What is sane? What is insane? What is normal? What is abnormal? The toys are the elements I used in order to create the portrait of the character, Blas. How can the collection of toys represent Blas' character?
The installation also investigates how narratives are created when unrelated objects are integrated. I am interested in the power of toys. Their forms usually play with archetypes ( child, mother, father, hero). Toys and amulets are often mystified by children and adults alike. Religious ornaments are also incorporated with the toys in order to create tensions on their meanings and play with their significations.
"Reified Delusions" exhibition, Cubicle Art Gallery, Pasig City, Augst 2007
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