If walls could talk, this Boysen mural has a lot to say
There are many ways to tell a story. Many cultures share and tell their stories through public art– from the time of old stone carvings to modern urban graffiti, people are exposed to narrative art as they stroll or drive along these increasingly popular medium of expression.
Many places have rich stories to tell, but oftentimes remain untold, lacking of a storyteller and a medium where to place them. That’s why when Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc. was offered the opportunity to fix and repaint the exterior walls of the Manila Chinese Cemetery, they immediately took interest to accept the project.
While Boysen has been a steady supporter of the arts, the company’s push for public art goes beyond the cosmetic aspect of simply cleaning public spaces, it extends further to having transformative installations in various cities around the country.
Boysen Murals
More than a decade ago, Boysen launched KNOxOUT Project EDSA with five massive murals along the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) featuring the artworks of world-renowned artists commissioned by Boysen using KNOxOUT, an air cleaning paint that uses light energy to break down harmful air pollutants and convert them into harmless substances. Recognized and awarded by both creative and environmental bodies around the world, international and local organizations continue to use the aforementioned revolutionary paint for mural projects.
A more recent project, which used a different Boysen paint system, was the Andres Bonifacio mural in the city of San Juan commemorating the historic battles of the Filipinos against Spain during the revolutionary war. These projects are illustrations that the company takes a conscious effort to create impact even after the application of the paint on the wall is done.
The Boysen Mural at the Manila Chinese Cemetery
“We have always been drawn to the profound effect public art can have on society. Art installations have the power to transform ordinary spaces, elicit emotions, and start meaningful conversations,” says Ramil Mendoza, Boysen communications manager. “The Manila Chinese Cemetery is a good spot where art, community, history, and culture can intersect and blend together,” he added.
For the project, Boysen sought the services of visual artist and art educator, Abdulmari de Leon Imao. Widely known as Toym, he had previously worked with Boysen having designed some production sets for their videos. A keen student of history with an equal enthusiasm for pop culture and cultural curiosities, Imao had the perfect, little story for the mural project.
“There’s this story of Sultan Paduka Batara, King of Sulu who in 1417, sailed with his family and 300 other people of noble descent to China to pay tribute to Yongle Chinese Emperor Zhu Di, who was of the Ming Dynasty,” tells Imao. “While he was welcomed by the emperor upon his arrival in China, the sultan contracted a mysterious disease on his way home and died at Dezhou, a town in Shandong province in China. The emperor promptly commissioned artists and sculptors to build a tomb for the deceased monarch, which still stands today,” he adds.
With this historical inspiration, Imao envisioned a concept to immortalize one the earliest bonds between the Filipino Muslim and Chinese cultures. As a result, the design showcased layers of bicultural elements using both traditional and contemporary styles.
“The theme capitalizes on the iconic dragon of Asian myths and folklore that is shared by various cultures. The representation particularly focuses on the mythical creature as a protector of men,” Toym expounds.
Other design elements such as incorporating Maranaoan Torogans and Panolongs and stylized letterings of words with positive messages about humanity, history, love, family, friendship, and remembering complete the mural.
A Torogan is a traditional house of nobility built by the Maranao people of Lanao, Mindanao. The Panolong is a house ornament in the form of a carved beam that protrudes in front of the house and styled with okir motif.
For a deeper dive into the story, watch the video “Pagtawid: Bridging Cultures In Life and Passing” by clicking this link.
The Manila Chinese Cemetery artwork on Rizal Avenue Extension is one of the latest murals of Boysen to talk about connection, inspiration, and fostering a sense of history and community. A project that was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the identity of its surroundings. Just like the story of Sultan Paduka Batara and the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di, this installation serves as a bridge between people, ideas, and cultures.
For questions and inquiries about Boysen Paints products, send an email to inquiry@boysen.com.ph.
