Folklore Series

An illustrative interpretation of the vibrant tapestry of Philippine folklore.

Folklore Series

Reimagining Philippine Folklore

SCOPE OF WORK

Illustration
Creative Direction

INTRODUCTION

In 2020, we embarked on a daring quest to reimagine the vibrant tapestry of Philippine folklore through the talents of Cebu’s modern artists. This wasn’t just another art project; it was a declaration of love for our heritage, a rebellion against letting ancient tales gather dust in forgotten corners—a collaboration of passionate artists and storytellers to weave the stories of the past into the present.

It all began with a flicker of shared passion. We identified a small space in the art scene; traditional representations held their place, but there was a curiosity for something fresh that spoke to the modern Filipino. Our project aimed to fill this gap and bring a contemporary perspective to our local mythologies.

We wanted a contemporary perspective on our local mythologies, like the mischievous Kapre, which smokes its own cigar atop big trees. Why was it scary? What if the modern Kapre has also adapted to the times, much like everyone else. The giant Agta thought to emerge from the shadows in remote villages. Now, with bigger cities, could they be emerging from buildings?

Countless other stories from the archipelago that started in the pre-colonial era would be interesting when the narrative keeps up with the times. The stories would do beautifully when crafted with popular media.

Postcards, trinkets, short stories, and zines are great introductory media. We wanted our stories to start from the younger demographic. We also want the stories to be more inviting, less intimidating, and easy to read, which will plant seeds of curiosity for readers. This way, we can create a setting where readers can build their interests and internalize their relations with these mythical characters.

Every myth became a portal to a world brimming with wonder and wisdom. This wasn’t just about memorizing the myths but about capturing these stories’ essence, heart, and soul, ensuring they resonated with a contemporary audience. We wanted the stories we’ve grown to hear to be passed on to younger generations in ways they can relate to and spark their curiosity about Filipino stories. We want our myths to continue to grow and change with the people.

We were fascinated by how different art styles and bits of spontaneity could create new and exciting ways of reimagining these mythical creatures. The final pieces were a breathtaking blend of traditional lore and modern narrative, a testament to the enduring power of our folklore in a contemporary setting, and we hope they inspire a new appreciation for our cultural heritage.

We joined pop-ups in Cebu such as the Cebu Literary Festival, Cebu Art Book Fair, Patrons of The Art: Cebu Leg, Kuri-Kuri Craft Bazaar, and many more. We continue to publish and expand this project through our art print, stationery, and gifting shop through OBJX.

But beyond that, we strive for something more—we want to spark a conversation about reimagining our heritage for the modern world. We proved that our myths and legends aren’t relics of the past but living stories that continue to inspire and captivate.