A mural depicting a young person wearing a facemask in Barangay San Rafael 1 in Noveleta, Cavite has gone viral and has made the rounds online these past days.
In an interview with The Cavite Rising, Caviteno artist Christian Cresencio talked about his art, saying he is hoping the painting would inspire more people to use facemasks to help curb the spread of the still increasing cases of COVID-19 in the country.
According to Cresencio, who uses the pseudonym “Moks,” the subject of the mural is actually his 13-year old son Zachary.
“Ginawa ko ‘yon for five hours bago nagsimula ang quarantine bubble. Kasi nakakulong ka sa ganoong estado ng buhay, sobrang sakit na sa tenga yung pagma-mask.”
He said the butterflies in the painting symbolizes his hopes for change and rebirth, while the eyes of his son depict the sadness they feel during lockdown.
With most art events being cancelled since mass gatherings are still not allowed, Cresencio said painting the walls is a good way for him to still express his creativity.
Aside from the one in Noveleta, Cresencio has also been using the walls in various streets of Cavite as his way of relaying important messages to people.
“Ito yung nami-miss ko noong wala pang pandemic, malaya kang magpinta sa labas. Masarap kapag naiinitan ka, nasusunog yung balat mo. Hinahanap-hanap mo yung hirap sa paggawa at yung self-fulfillment kapag natapos na,” he said.
Aside from COVID-related artworks, Cresencio has also painted a tribute mural for Lebron James and Kobe Bryant in past.
Hailing from a family of painters, Cresencio said it was his father who inspired him to hone his artistic skills.
“Ito na talaga ikinabubuhay namin, natuto kaming magkapatid na dumiskarte kapag may kumakatok sa bahay at gustong magpadrawing.”
For Cresencio, art is not made to be seen in galleries alone. He believes art is meant to reach more people, hence, he brings his creations to the streets. In this way, he is communicating to people without having the need to interact with them personally.
