Plet Bolipata’s imagiNATION

Waiting to move to BGC: Plet Bolipata's metal doodled animal pairs and mosaic benches reflected in a puddle after a night of rain at Casa San Miguel, Zambales. Photo by Elmer Borlongan

Almost exactly a year ago, Plet Bolipata first laid eyes on the parcel of land set aside for the BGC Offsite Gallery, at the heart of bustling Global City in Taguig.  It had been drizzling then, and she had just come from a meeting in Makati with her husband, Elmer Borlongan.  She had by then exhibited a series of mosaic sculptures, so an invitation from the Bonifacio Arts Foundation Inc. (BAFI) to put in a proposal for more ambitious work, suited for the outdoors, seemed like a natural progression.

After experiencing the effects of Typhoon Pedring on their community in Zambales, she crystallized her ideas for an open air exhibit. Working continuously with a team of assistants, (which later included lighting consultant Katsch SJ Catoy), she allowed her imagination to take flight.

Here is her artist’s statement:

The idea of rain brings me back to the story of Noah and his Ark:

Seeing the wickedness of man, God commanded Noah to build an ark, a large vessel that would contain himself, his family and the animals of the world in order to save them from the Great Flood that would destroy as well as cleanse the world (Book of Genesis, Chapters 6-9).

As a nation, we suffer yearly from deluge of floods as the rain pounds upon us. In the conclusion of Noah’s story, when the floods subsided, and God’s anger abated, God promised Noah he would never send a flood again. I’d like my installation to be a reminder that we need not be afraid for God will keep us safe.

imaGINATION is an interpretation of Noah’s story. Except instead of an ark, I use bathtubs which are also vessels. I combine life size metal doodled animals with mosaic bathtubs.  Instead of keeping people and animals afloat on water, they do the opposite and carry water. They serve as basins for cleansing and when unclogged, allow water to escape. The bathtubs are mini-arks that serve several functions: as reminders of how dual water can be — an element of both life and death; and as vehicles which can transport viewers into a world of imagination. The installation also offers solace. By sitting in the bathtubs, viewers are rescued from stress and strain which allow them to fully enjoy and appreciate the preciousness of life.

imagiNATION runs until the end of July 2012 at the BGC Offsite Gallery, 28th St. corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.  For more information visit www.artsatbgc.org

Thank you to Elmer Borlongan for most of the photos I used in this post.

 

At the BGC Offsite Gallery in Taguig

Plet Bolipata, "Fly Me To The Moon Elephants!', 4mx3mx2.1m

Plet Bolipata, "How's The Weather Up There, Giraffe?"

Plet Bolipata, "Take Me Home, Kangaroo!", 6.5mx1mx2.3m

Plet Bolipata, "Occupy Octupi, Wish I Could Be Part Of Your World", 7.5mx3mx2m

Mr. and Mrs, Borlongan, Emong's parents, enjoying Plet's work

In the elephant's belly

Plet Bolipata, "You Wouldn't Dare Eat Me, Would You Tigers?", 8.3mx1.2mx1.5m

Detail on one of the mosaic benches

Plet and Emong with officials of BAFI (Bonifacio Arts Foundation Inc), including Manny Blas, Managing Director and head of The Mind Museum, Carlos Rufino of Fort Bonifacio, Lou Reyes of BAFI, and Maria Isabel Garcia, curator of The Mind Museum

 

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