ONE FAVORITE element in Philippine folklore is the mystery surrounding the balete tree. Feared to be haunted with supernatural beings, the sacred identity of this species of fig tree goes way back in history.

To remind people about the image it evokes, Jan Leeroy New recreated the tree’s probing roots using orange electric cables that are attached to the white pillars of the Old Rizal Library. He named this piece Balete. The installation of the cables started on July 14.

On July 21, the exhibit opened with the first part of series of talks dubbed as “Art Speak.”

New is the recipient of the 2009 Ateneo Art Awards Scholarship grant by La Trobe University in Sydney, Australia. His artwork display will last until October 30.

Open to interpretation

New is known for his enthusiasm towards mythology and science-fiction, all common subjects of his artworks.

The installation of the balete tree in a Catholic institution is not coincidental. New shared that he wanted to make a link between the pagan society and the colonial rule which shaped Filipino culture.

In her write-up regarding the exhibit in Ateneo, filmmaker Adjani Arumpac shared that in order to face his own fear of both religion and tradition, New simulated his own discourse about these two by using mockery.

“He engages the establishment, in a sensual and visual display of the progression of a quiet resistance, to participate and observe how his heathen sculpture can actually, eventually engulf the structure,” Arumpac said.

Ateneo Art Gallery Managing Curator Yael Buencamino agreed. “I also like that he delves into the past. He did his research, he studies, and he’s fascinated with mythology and other cultures.”

However, New said that the he did not convey any particular message. He only made the foundation and left his work open to the interpretation of his audience.

“I can only do so much [as to create] these messages, these codes to act as catalysts for what they might come up with. It all boils down to the individual.”

Enchantments

Arumpac said that, “[New] playfully deconstructs the mystery and myth that surrounds [the balete] by choosing to show work in progress for the audience.”

New collaborated with graphic designer Dan Matutina for Balete. During the day, New and Matutina worked, giving his audience a chance to see how the artwork was set up. At night, the artwork turned into a dwelling of spirits, made possible through light patterns which created the effect of apparitions and optical illusions.

Artist’s Voice

The balete was one of the art pieces featured in the art talks.

Buencamino said that the purpose of the talks was to let the artist’s voice be heard and to let the students know the artist better.

According to those who attended the talk, the balete aroused curiosity among them.

Alfred Marasigan, a junior Information Design major, said that a lot of people were surprised by the exhibit.

“This is the first time that an exhibit was installed outside the gallery, to let it [be] viewed by the public. It’s hard to miss and people are curious as to what the concept behind the artwork is,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Inspirations

Junior Hazel Tan wondered how New came up with the idea. “It is something different. You can’t help but wonder where the concept comes from. It’s just really amazing,” she said.

New shared that in creating Balete, his inspiration did not come from a single source.

“I am inspired by a whole lot of things. All these influences are ingrained in you already. You come in contact with an object. That object acts as a catalyst then you call on every inspiration to come to you. It’s a way of thinking,” he said.

Buencamino is awed by New’s creativity. “I think he’s ambitious. The scale of his work is very ambitious. And he really allows imagination to run wild and he will make it happen,” he said.

Simultaneous with New’s work, Kiri Dalena, another winner of the 2009 Art Awards, installed her “Watch History Repeat itself” inside the gallery space for contemporary exhibits.

The exhibit lasted from July 14 to August 16. She also gave a talk discussing her artwork on July 28 as part of Art Speak.