Baguio-based artist Oliver Olivete pays homage to childhood and all that has been left behind in “Laro Tayo: Pagbilang ko ng Tatlo, Nakatago na Kayo” at the Gallery of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
“Laro Tayo” is an exhibit of mixed-media works especially of found objects, tile and wood. Works are arranged to take the audience back in time for a nostalgic journey.
Close to 50 pieces of forgotten games and tradition have been lovingly put together by Olivete to compel one to remember the days when life revolved around an afternoon of play until technology took over the generations.
Playing the sungka, climbing the palosebo, navigating the make of the piko, making paper airplanes and kites, collecting spiders, assembling robots with activities like crocheting and even the innocent joy of “jack en poy” are some of the childhood memories that will be revisited in this exhibition.
“The wood materials I used for this exhibit are upcycled from demolished old houses in Baguio,” said Olivete. “I think this will add another dimension to the story I want to tell because old wooden houses in Baguio are also slowly being replaced by concrete condos and hotels. Just like old-fashioned outdoor games being ‘citified,’ houses in urban cities are also the same.
“I want to show the simple fun and sense of adventure playing outside can give, without any use of expensive toys or gadgets.”
“Laro Tayo” is Olivete’s first one-man exhibition and is curated by Kabunyan de Guia.
“Laro Tayo” is on view at the NCCA Gallery in Intramuros until Feb. 5. Email nccagallery09@gmail.com; tel. 0917-5316184
