Heroic Pinoy Rangers come to life in street art and gallery walls

Crossing Commonwealth Avenue using the Philcoa overpass in Quezon City is not a pleasant stroll. The stairs are treacherous and on the bridge there are vendors on either side. While they sell a variety of interesting wares, their presence only makes it difficult for the already heavy pedestrian traffic.   Like some public structures, the overpass is colorful. This is not due to any beautification efforts on the government's part. Rather, it is the result of anonymous creators who have left their mark on the concrete - with ballpen ink, permanent markers, or paint.   However, many of these vandals aren't particularly artistic. The overpass is covered with random scribbles, but from time to time, talented people also leave their trace on the walls.   Earlier this week, there was one such artwork that exuded talent. From a wheat paste poster, a masked Filipino youth stared at me from the corner, telling me to visit Kanto Gallery in Makati for Gerilya's first solo exhibit.   At the 2010 Komikon, I had encountered Gerilya's work. Recent graduates of the UP College of Fine Arts—Nico Zapanta, Jano Gonzales and Kube Villarete—discussed the supposed demise of the local comics industry over lunch one day when Gerilya Komiks was born. They described their komiks as a mix of drama, action and comedy, tackling issues like corruption and killings.   This time, they chose to focus their efforts on street art in what is called the "Pinoy Rangers" series, which culminates in their exhibit at the Kanto Gallery. The collection features paintings of youths in t-shirt masks inspired by 17th century flags, positioned in Japanese super sentai-inspired costumed superhero fighting poses.   Apart from comics, Gerilya is involved in various art-related ventures including graffiti animation, fine art exhibitions and illustration commissions. Whatever the medium, Gerilya artists seek to make their art relevant, drawing influence from Philippine popular and mass culture.   In a video by egYolkTV, members of Gerilya explain what this particular project is about.  Origins of inspiration   Jano Gonzales says that although their collective has many projects, they recently took to street art. Ralph Lumbres adds that their show titled "Pinoy Rangers" began as street art.   Last November, the first artwork appeared on the wall of the Philcoa overpass, but the artwork was torn to shreds one week later. Several more similar artworks appeared after that, featuring masked youths in fighting positions.   "Kumuha kami ng images doon sa flags ng Pilipinas. Nagsimula pa ng mga sa Katipunan hanggang sa kung ano na yung mayroon tayo ngayon. Sa panahon ngayon ng false heroism na mga Western na heroes, gusto namin na bumalik sa kung ano yung totoong heroism," explains Lumbres.   Villarete says that while street art is a way for them to gain more exposure, they chose to hold a gallery exhibit to close the show.   "Kaya nga kami nag street art, kasi gusto namin lumawak yung audience, dumami yung makakita ng art namin. Sa gallery, kailangan namin ng isang space para lagyan ng ending yung project namin na Pinoy Rangers," says Villarete.   In this series, they merge the iconography of the Philippine revolutionary society of the Katipunan and the 90's super sentai fighting stances, blurring and recreating our idea of what a hero looks like.   The t-shirt mask is a tribute to farmers and laborers who use this to protect themselves against the elements, as well as to urban protesters who use this against teargas, and to ensure their anonymity. Location rendition   In the small space of Kanto Gallery, the Pinoy Rangers look like they are about to come to life. From behind their masks, they stare at you with a piercing gaze, as if daring you to come closer. The effect is very different from when the works are on the street.   While street art has the advantage of a wider audience, there is the danger or being completely ignored. On the other hand, the element of surprise also contributes to the artwork's meaning. Finding art in unexpected places tends to be more moving.   Still, it's also nice to see the Pinoy Rangers in a quiet gallery, away from all the noise and people. It allows the viewer to reflect without having to rush, and to appreciate the artists' skill as well as their message.   PINOY RANGERS! Mandirigmang kabataan, tanod ng kasarinlan! — ELR, GMA News   Gerilya's First Exhibition runs from Jan. 26 until Feb. 12 at Kanto Gallery, The Collective,  7274 Malugay St. Brgy San Antonio Village, 1203 Makati. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.  Photos courtesy of Gerilya