ClimArtivism in the Philippines

ClimArtivism in the Philippines

CONTENTS + SOURCES

Illustrator’s Note

P. 3

a breakdown of the zine and inspiration for its creation, along with a statement from the artist.

Climate Change in the Philippines

PP. 4-5

a brief explanation of the current state of the climate crisis in the Philippines.

• •

https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/philippines https://climate.gov.ph/public/ckfinder/userfiles/files/News%20Roundup/02_17_2023.pdf

Filipino Climate Art Activists

PP. 6-11

highlights the artworks and stories of Derek Tumala, Martha Atienza, and Leeroy New. • •

LEEROY: https://www.mcadmanila.org.ph/tropical-climate-forensics/ & https://apexart.org/tumala.php

ATIENZA: https://www.hnfoundation.com/artists/martha-atienza/ad-

law-sa-mga-mananagat%2Ffisherfolks-day-2022 & http://www.marthaa•

tienza.com/www.marthaatienza.com/home.html

NEW: https://ateneoartgallery.com/exhibitions/leeroy-new-mebuyans-colony & http://leeroynew.com

I L L U S T R AT O R ’ S N O T E This zine explores climate change in the Philippines through the stories of Filipino climate art activists. The Philippines is highly

vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and these advocates amplify the voices of their communities, calling for sustainable solutions and environmental justice.

As a Filipino student and artist passionate about climate change myself, I intertwine my creative endeavors with environmental themes and seek to inspire positive change and consciousness

within my community and society at large. Through my artwork and activism, I aim to foster greater appreciation and under-

standing of the urgent need for climate action in the Philippines and beyond.

ClimArtivisim in the Philippines highlights three amazing Filipino individuals hoping to impact change through their compelling

visual narratives and artistic expressions. Follow along with the

impactful information and breathtaking photos that express both the beauty and dangers of the natural world.

Though the Philippines contribute little to the climate crisis, it is still one of the most vulnerable to its effects.

People in the Philippines are disproportionately impacted and increasingly facing the detrimental effects of

climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation, resulting in loss of lives, damage to livelihoods, and disruption of communities.

They are actively engaging in climate action and justice initiatives through grassroots movements, communityled projects, and advocacy efforts to call for stronger climate policies, promote sustainable practices, and demand accountability from governments and corporations to address the impacts of climate change.

“We can’t afford to wait for the system to change before we act — we are changing the system as we act,” said Niner Guiao, Filipino environmental lawyer.

Tropical Climate Futures

by Derek Tumala

"Tropical Climate Forensics" is a digital diorama that

illuminates the changing climate and weather patterns

in the Philippines. Tumala drew inspiration from his time

at the Manila Observatory, one of the oldest

meteorological observatories in Southeast Asia.

The utilization of a virtual game-like format and

diorama-style framework allows this ongoing project to

explore the climate crisis across different time frames.

Tumala constructs a unique classification system

focused on the Philippines' tropical setting, using biomes as representations for his study.

ABOUT DEREK TUMALA Derek Tumala is a multi-disciplinary artist that intersects art, science, and technology in his works. What interests me about him is the way

he pushes public art into the foreground via installations outside. This accessibility and ability to convey shared values allows viewers to enjoy the pieces visually before delving into the more technical

details. Tumula believes that modern artists play a crucial role in

communicating new ideas, emphasizing the importance of wide-

spread art visibility in realizing these transformative goals for change.

Adlaw sa mga Mananagat (Fisherfolks Day)

by Martha Atienza

"Adlaw sa mga Mananagat" encompasses three

collaborative video pieces by Atienza, aimed at empowering the Bantayan residents to influence the destiny of their

islands. Her home, Bantayan Island, faces challenges from

commercial ventures, fishing industry impacts, and climate change. Once-vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine

biodiversity now grapple for survival due to these factors.

Atienza's work demonstrates the potential of community

organization, emphasizing that engaged involvement in

decision-making results in the approval of resolutions that

prioritize the voices of marginalized communities such as fishermen, rather than commercial interests.

A B O U T M A R T H A AT I E N Z A Martha Atienza is a Dutch-Filipina artist who spends her life moving between these two cultural identities. To learn more about her

ancestry and hometown, she recounts stories of the ocean through

her powerful use of film and video installations, which I find amazing.

Atienza’s work not only sheds light on local environmental issues but also emphasizes the broader, international scope of climate change and its unequal impact on marginalized communities.

Mebuyan’s Colony

by Leeroy New

"Mebuyan’s Colony" is a large-scale, spatial construc-

tion. The name comes from Mebuyan, the goddess of

death and fertility in Bagobo mythology. Her appearance

is described as having breasts all over her body which

mimics the appearance of the pods of New’s installation.

When creating this installation, there was an extra focus

on integrating agricultural systems to grow food and

using discards as viable structural material. Recycled

plastic bottles were reconfigured to become transparent

cladding for the pods, resembling a kind of elevated

green house. Visitors are able to enter and explore the

installation to see its beauty and connect their ideas.

ABOUT LEEROY NEW Leeroy New is a driving force in the Philippine art scene, showcasing his blend of nature and science-fiction concepts across theater, fashion, film, and visual art. I appreciate how even though New grew up sur-

rounded by traditional works of art, he departs from those conventional art boundaries to create something more unpredictable and innovative.

His use of recycled materials, a medium I try to incorporate into my

work, also underscores his belief that art can initiate conversations about environmental issues and solutions and promote creativity.

“It’s not just about making beautiful, individual art objects anymore. It’s about highlighting ideas that are important to us.” - Leeroy New