What are 'Onion Kids'? This photographer depicts them in Art Fair Philippines exhibit

Street photographer and visual artist Hersley-Ven Casero has a thought-provoking contribution to this year's Art Fair Philippines.

His exhibit titled "Onion Kids" displayed three photos of "onion kids — meaning all of the kids, like kids — they cry a lot."

"Mga bata — madaling umiyak," Casero, who is based in Dumaguete, told GMA Integrated News.

Casero said the curation of the whole show is "very intentional."

"And if you’re going to look closely, we actually represent our Philippine flag colors: blue, red, yellow," he said.

His photographs depict "kids playing in their location" — according to Casera, "these are all unposed photos, unmanufactured, candid moments."

All three photos were taken before the current situation with the increasing onion prices, although he said the exhibit was done in part because of what he called that precise "onion state of affairs."

The photo that shows a kid with onions was taken on Labor Day of 2020. The "golden yellow photo" was taken on December 31, 2015, and the multi-award winning photo of the kids "free-falling" from a sea wall was taken during the pandemic.

"It just shows the power of photography, right? Even though this particular piece was shot before the onion situation, it keeps on coming back so, it’s almost like timeless — if not, its recurring connection to the subject or to that moment," said Vincent Lopez, owner of Mugna Gallery in Dumaguete. Lopez helped Casero with the exhibit.

"Photography is something else," Lopez added. "It reminds you of that moment and brings you to the current time."

The "Onion Kids" exhibit is on view at Art Fair Philippines at the 7/F at The Link in Makati City.

Art Fair tickets can be purchased in advance at www.artfairphilippines.com. Tickets will also be available at the reception area of Art Fair Philippines from February 17 to 19, Friday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at The Link in Makati City.

Regular tickets are P450 for a day pass. Tickets for students with valid IDs, senior citizens, and PWDs are P350 while tickets for Makati students with valid IDs are P200.

Art fans can also look forward to seeing other artists' exhibits, talks, films, and more at the Art Fair.

—JCB, GMA Integrated News