M E T R O F L E X

MANILA STREET GALLERY OF ART

Even before Metroplex started, I have always pondered on Manila’s LRT situation. I thought that without the elevated concourse, Manilenos could have better appreciated their city. We all want a city experience that is romantic because its architectural heritage enriches street life. Unfortunately, LRT is what a lot of Manila experience is all about. A massive spine of elevated concrete that overpowers every street it dissects. LRT led to demise of Taft and Avenida because of unattractive street life and low land values.

In my previous post, “Great Walk of Edsa,” a reader suggested the installation of Filipino blown-up paintings on the Billboards of Edsa. It was a good idea that inspired me to generate a scheme that uses Filipino artworks to strongly define Manila’s streetscape.

The vignettes show that a mural done in a massive scale can give us a powerful imagery of Filipino expression in an urban setting. We let them age and evolve. Probably after five years, another set of artists can paint on the walls of the concourse.

From one station to the next, the concourse walls can host a work of an artist or two. The artworks are to be labeled by the name of its author. This way we don’t just bring color to the drab street of Manila, finding a place might become easier by being a bit more specific. In this example, you can simply find a building along Taft Avenue by referring to Taft – Dela Rosa Street Gallery. Also, the place can be more encouraging to setup shops because there is a massive artwork / attraction in front of them. Points of interest along this stretch can also be strengthened. In front of Philippine Women’s University, the concourse can be painted by the best of its visual arts students, thus naming this area, Taft –PWU Street Gallery. Same principle can be applied for De-La Salle University, Sta. Isabel College and other areas of the LRT. Imagine how this colored concourse can complement the equally colorful Metropolitan Theatre.

In response to FFL Imelda Marcos’ “bringing art to common man” the idea of a street gallery can make Art accessible to everybody, rich and poor. The masses are given the opportunity to appreciate art without having to pay fees in a museum or feeling alienated in an air-conditioned gallery. Hopefully, this huge public art will inspire everybody to make art or paint Manila the same way.