These artworks playfully represent what type of ‘Manila Girl’ you are
Metro Manila is filled with several cities and districts, each having a story of its own. You’ll meet a diverse set of people, discover stores considered as hidden gems, and witness busy streets that give you a glimpse of different realities.
However, the ongoing pandemic restricts you from exploring these areas or just casually pass by them. You’re probably stuck at home with an illuminating screen in front of you. But there’s actually a way to enliven the areas of the Metro online — through the ‘Manila Girls’ artworks by illustrator Kenny Tai.
Every location has a distinct characteristic, and Kenny decided to present it through artworks of women who satirically embody each one. She says, ‘Sharing a pretty picture of Manila seems pretentious where everything in the city is the contrary.’
‘Let these ladies show you a different angle where each borough is unpleasant at first glance but then grows beautifully in you,’ she added. ‘These are the love child of Manila’s madness and the Filipino obsession of personalities and beauty pageants. These are the Manila Girls.’
Someone once said that it’s the people that make the place, and the Manila Girls – all 14 of them – can do the talking. On Instagram, you’ll see them paired with a caption to give you an idea of each place. But on YouTube, they have a cartoon version that brings them to life.
Kenny describes her art as something simple, bold, and nostalgic — and her work truly embodies it. Each character has the right combination of vibrant and muted hues that will easily capture your attention.
The 33-year-old artist used to go to Binondo every Sunday with her mother. Coincidentally, the first character she made was inspired by that district. But she admitted that she doesn’t have a personal pick, ‘The way I see it, the objective is to tell a different story to each of them that reflects the Filipino society.’
‘If I do have a favorite, there would be a tendency of bias that would affect the narrative of the work,’ Kenny explained. ‘Manila Girls can change as the city changes in time.’
If you want to have a piece of her work beyond your screens, Kenny has an Instagram shop called A.K.I.M. It stands for Ang Kuwentong Inuwi Mo. She founded the independent brand back in 2014, and she sells pieces for its buyers to “bring home a story.”
She said, ‘This brand is inspired from looking at souvenirs, contemplation, and observation from mundane moments to messy current events, and perhaps an alternative manner of story-telling to me as an artist.’
What started out as postcard designs, the Manila Girls can now come as stickers and on the packaging of Purple Bayan‘s beverages and treats. Their collaboration will be available until the end of August. With that in mind, Kenny is keen on working with other brands as well. She shared, ‘Any merch that fits in the narrative, I guess. As long as people could take a piece of Manila with them.’
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A handful of areas are yet to be covered, and the artist seems to have plans on growing her work. When asked if she’s working on anything new, she shared, ‘Taguig City, Quezon City, and the rest of the “tiny bubbles” in Metro Manila.’
Kenny also shared her thoughts on making art amid a pandemic, at a time where being creative has limitations since people are quarantined. She said, ‘The way I see it, inspirations are everywhere and it is the ripest to harvest during a crisis.’
‘Like how a war, or any type of disruption, can push an artist’s internal state and squeeze out that artistic expression influenced by external events,’ she added.
For now, you can enjoy diving into all the playful personifications of the Metro’s cities and districts. Scroll through each photo below to check out descriptions about the area’s demographics, history, and current status. Maybe you’ll also find a fave character that you can relate to.
Binondo
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Quiapo
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Divisoria
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España
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San Nicolas
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Intramuros
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Recto
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Escolta
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Pasay
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Makati
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Parañaque
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Tondo
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Malate
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EDSA
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The post <b> These artworks playfully represent what type of ‘Manila Girl’ you are </b> appeared first on WE THE PVBLIC.
Source: we the pvblic
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