Art in BGC streets

MANILA, Philippines - Art has always been at the heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) with its sculptures, interactive art installations, and various arts and culture events. This, however, became more pronounced during the month-long Art BGC 2013 festival. Over 200 enthusiasts turned BGC into an art wonderland.

Piquing interest among passers-by is an illustration on a pavement entitled “Gladiator.” In the artwork created by Buboy Cañafranca, a lamp post wire housing became the shield of a swordsman ready to battle a wild animal.

There’s another quirky image called “Cheerleader” by Lou Lim and Marija Vicente on the path walk near The Mind Museum. Not far from the colored illustration is an eccentric art piece called “Afro” by Alvin Zafra. It’s a shrub that looks like the head of a man with a big hair.

Transformer vaults along 30th Street were given a makeover, too. Canadian photographer Kaid Ashton and Filipino illustrator Rem San Pedro designed the structures, which are entitled “Opening Windows of Imagination for Children Who Find Certain Doors Permanently Shut.”

Even BGC signage landmarks were given a more welcoming, eye-catching look. The signage along 5th Avenue was adorned by Ryan Villamael with colorful pinwheels, while the one along 11th Avenue was embellished by Louie Cordero with colorful clay-like material as paint splats.

Aside from the street art project, an art bazaar called BGC Art Mart was likewise a hit. Over 20 galleries, art groups, art students, and independent artists set up shops in Bonifacio High Street to sell their various artworks.