Lawom (The Deep)

Artist — Gerilya

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As someone who grew up by a large body of water, I have always been drawn to the ocean. My country is surrounded by sea, so I feel a spiritual connection to the ocean and its ability to sustain us. This project reminded me that despite the ocean’s power and interconnectedness with the local community, it is quite vulnerable to many dangers that threaten to abuse and destroy it.

For this project, I returned to my hometown in Southern Leyte. Painting the mural there allowed me to reconnect with my roots and leave the hustle and bustle of my old city for the purpose of creating a canvas by the sea. Finding the right location for the mural was the first challenge. I decided to paint the mural by the coast, not far from our home on Panaon Island.

As a member of the Gerilya artist collective, I was fueled by the goal of providing meaningful, thought-provoking public art, not merely the intention of beautifying a wall. I utilized bright colors and vivid imagery for this purpose. I believe public art can simplify complex ideas and empower individuals with a distinct type of knowledge. Pairing art with journalism amplifies the impact of this medium, allowing the ideas expressed in the painting the possibility of reaching a wider audience.

One important issue we face in the Philippines is the rising geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea which severely affect the livelihoods of Filipino fishers. Once able to fish in peace without interference or controls in this area, now fishers are harassed by foreign vessels that attempt to intimidate them with water cannons. My creative response to this abusiveness has been to evoke the myths and legends of our ancestors in my art, depicting the story of Maguayen, the sea goddess who protects fishermen and all sea creatures. She serves as a symbol of resistance in this troubled time and imbues viewers with the message that despite the challenges facing our society, our laws and our society as a whole, the Philippine Coast Guard will fight to increase its protection of the sea and its people. Thanks to The Outlaw Ocean Project, we were able to seize the opportunity to convey the importance of the ocean and those who depend on it for survival. I believe our stories matter and wanted my art to help illuminate and, in turn, protect our interests.