To create a space where local artists can freely express their thoughts through art, J. Amado Araneta Foundation
(JAAF) partners with Bayanihang Marikenyo at Marikenya and the UP Artist Circle for the "Bayanihan sa Bayan Hulmahan" exhibit at the Gateway Gallery.
The exhibit presents 100 colorful artworks painted on wooden shoe molds, which Marikina shoemakers would otherwise discard or use as firewood due to lack of orders during the pandemic. The artworks focus on social issues like the killing of farmers, environment, political prisoners, feminist struggles, etc.
Artists who designed the shoe molds include Kevin Eric Raymundo (a.k.a. Tarantadong Kalbo), Cartoonist Zach, Richard Tercio, Fe Toledo, Dagitab, JAAF's Glenda Carlota and her daughter Dawn Carlota, inmates from Manila City Jail, and children from Child Hope Philippines.
Apart from promoting local handicrafts, the exhibit also provides livelihood to hundreds of families in various Marikina communities. Project Hulmahan purchased the shoe molds from the shoemakers and distributed them to the artists. The artist may opt to sell their artwork, where proceeds will be given to target beneficiaries.
The designed shoe molds will be exhibited in different establishments in the country this summer, and in other parts of the globe in the coming months.
The "Bayanihan sa Bayan Hulmahan" exhibit is open for free public viewing at the Gateway Gallery in Araneta City until May 30.