Amidst a canvas of traditional paints, one artist stands out as an environmental pioneer, creating art that breathes life into the grim reality of pollution and the resilience of street children.
JC Vargas, an artist and sustainability consultant, has embarked on a unique artistic journey. He transforms dirt, soot, and air pollutants into captivating watercolor masterpieces.
As Vargas pedals along the bustling streets of EDSA, he notices the street children who are often overlooked, saying, “hindi sila madalas pinapansin.”
These children who have become the focal point of his creative artworks, as he recently told BusinessMirror, “Iyon ang naisip ko na kailangan gawa ng paraan, kailangan silang pansinin.”
Vargas’ captivating artworks serve as a poignant reminder of the grim environmental reality faced by Metro Manila, where over 300,000 street children grapple with daily adversities, exacerbated by the omnipresent air pollution that presents a grave challenge.
The levels of PM2.5, microscopic particulate matter hazardous to health, far exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 18 micrograms per cubic meter.
These statistics cast a dark cloud over the city’s future, particularly for its most vulnerable inhabitants.
“Hindi ka masyadong papakinggan kung hindi ka gagamit ng something unique,” he believes that using art with these unique pigments as a medium to convey messages about environmental issues and to illustrate the determination of young individuals in overcoming urban challenges is an unconventional way to get people’s attention and make an impact.
Art from Pollution
As pigments for his artworks, he employs a method that involves collecting pollutants like indoor dust, outdoor dust, and soot, resulting in a fresh perspective on air pollution and a compelling call to action.
Indoor dust, a mixture of particles that includes elements from human skin, textiles, pollen, and potentially outdoor pollutants, varies depending on location.
For Vargas, this gray ash-brown dust, collected through indoor air ventilation systems, serves as a unique pigment that infuses his artworks with a sepia tone.
Outdoor dust, is a blend of particles stemming from various sources, including traffic emissions, industrial activities, construction waste, and natural elements like pollen and soil.
To create gray and amid tones in his artwork, Vargas collects dust from office building filters, giving his pieces a distinctive hue.
Soot, predominantly originating from older vehicles like tricycles, jeepneys, and diesel trucks, plays a significant role in the city’s air pollution.
In Vargas’ artwork, the dark details are crafted from soot collected from vehicle exhausts.
The amalgamation of these three pigments within Vargas’ artworks serves as a powerful metaphor for the need to address air pollution and its impact on society.
Navigating risks
By using air pollution itself as his medium, Vargas delivers a stark message to the public, challenging to take action and confront this pressing issue.
However, Vargas’ creative process is not without its challenges and risks. He candidly shares, “Habang ginagawa ko siya, after several minutes, kumakati ang lalamunan ko” (While working on it, after several minutes, my throat starts to itch).
The proximity to pollutants during the artistic process can indeed be uncomfortable and hazardous.
Despite these challenges, Vargas’ creative journey flows remarkably smoothly, driven by his passion for both art and environmental advocacy.
He seamlessly combines his roles as an environmental consultant at Arcadis Philippines, an artist, and a traveler throughout Metro Manila.
“Parang napag-dugtong-dugtong ko lang. Kaya, naging ganito yung output” (It’s like I connected the dots and that’s how the output turned out), he explains, emphasizing how everything in his life aligns to create meaningful and impactful art.
Unrepeatable Exhibition
The Polluted Palette arts exhibit, which ran from September 30 to October 7, featured 37 distinct paintings located at the Menarco Vertical Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The exhibit unveiled a unique journey of creativity that stretches over four months.
With meticulous dedication, Vargas scoured his surroundings, searching for subjects, honing compositions, and developing a unique painting process. It was a journey guided by a deep connection to his environment and a commitment to exploring the unexplored.
“Actually, nung una medyo skeptic ako na mag-work siya [the concept of using pollutants as pigments],” Vargas admitted. However, he continued, “Parang may gut feeling ako na kailangan ko gawin ‘yun. So, ito na yung naging result.”
Vargas’ artistic process is nothing short of innovative. He combined the digital realm with the tangible world, using computer-generated imagery as a foundation while drawing from his real-life experiences, creating a stunning visual dialogue that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.
However, Vargas doesn’t have a plan to extend this kind of arts exhibition crafted using pigments from air pollution, “Ayokong mag-extend na lagi akong may makukuhang pollution.”
Adding, “I’m not hoping na maulit ang ganitong klaseng exhibit. Ayoko na siyang maulit, to be honest.”
But through the exhibition that he conducted partnered with various media institutions, Menarco Development, Local Sparks, Arcadis and various guests, Vargas believes that “Ito ang magiging ripple effect para ma-extend pa ang message na gusto kong iparating.”
Collection of stories
Each painting in Vargas’ exhibition tells a unique story from his collection of “Kargador,” “Barker,” “Maglalako,” “Wiper,” “Street Food Vendor,” “Flower Vendor,” “Bangketa,” “Barkada” and his personal favorite “Mataya-taya”
These are inspired by the street children who roam, reside, and engage in various activities along the Metro streets.
In “Mataya-taya,” Vargas mentions his collaboration with the subjects.
“Kapag nakita mo, pag nilapitan mo, makikita mo yung mga doodle nila,” which is why this piece holds a special place in his heart.
Adding, “very genuine yung mga sinulat nila. Parang nakakataba ng puso na naging part ka and naging part sila nung isang piece.”
One general choice made by Vargas was to refrain from using real faces of children in his artwork. This decision was rooted in his desire to protect these young subjects, aligning with the principles of privacy rights.
He also expressed that anything he witnesses or experiences, “I will convey the message through my art.”
Vargas’ groundbreaking exhibition serves as a reminder that art knows no bounds, and inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places.
Permanence
JC shed light on the incredible longevity of his artwork.
He stated that since the first time he created it, he does not believe that the fading of colors will occur.
He pointed out that the black pigment used in his work is produced as purely black and is unlikely to become gray or lighter over an extended period.
This permanence, according to Vargas, is a cause for concern, as once the artwork is displayed, it technically cannot be removed. He encourages people to take care of their art pieces, especially if they contain such a dark and long-lasting substance.
Furthermore, he explained that the use of water-based materials allows his artworks to be framed securely. This framing acts as a fixative to preserve the artwork, ensuring that it remains airtight and protected from exposure to external air.
Catalyst for change
Beyond the strokes of his brush, this endeavor carries with it a profound purpose—one that seeks to make a tangible difference in the lives of those often marginalized by society.
A significant portion of the proceeds generated from the sale of Vargas paintings at his exhibition will be channeled toward charitable organizations committed to uplifting the lives of street children. Among these beneficiaries stands the Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc.
Vargas’ decision to direct a part of the exhibition’s proceeds toward such organizations demonstrates his commitment to creating lasting change.
“As an artist, I believe in the power of art to provoke thought, inspire change, and bring people together,” he said.
He underscores the belief that art is not just a form of personal expression but a powerful instrument for transformation—a medium that can uplift those in need and shed light on the issues that demand collective attention. Photos by John Eiron R. Francisco