Artists put finishing touches on a mural that says “Dili mi Karne” (We are not meat) as part of an advocacy to protect endangered marine life like sharks and manta rays. (CDN PHOTO/Norman Mendoza)
Colorful images of sharks and dolphins are splashed on walls seen by passersby by in the heart of Mandaue City.
The shapes, influenced by the Japanese art of folding paper – Origami – were painted by two artists on the walls of St. Joseph’s Academy fronting Mandaue City Hall.
“We made the images friendly so that even the child can participate in the advocacy to preserve sharks,” said A.G. Saño, a landscape artist based in Manila.
He started painting two days ago on a 15-meter-long wall with Joseph Judilla of Mandaue City to produce whale sharks, thresher sharks, dolphins and a manta ray, which are endangered or vulnerable marine species.
The work in progress, sponsored by some individuals and barangays, is halfway done.
The two were the same artists behind the murals in the concrete sides of the flyover in barangay Subangdaku.
Following the lead of Subangdaku, barangays Alang-alang, Centro and Basak also plan to fill their concrete walls with murals rather than leave bare walls to be defaced by graffiti.
Volunteers, even students and some passersby, are allowed to participate in the street art.
“We do this so they feel ownership for a work of art and become an advocate of environment protection themselves,” Saño said. He invited the public to show support by contributing paint supplies or walls.
Saño has traveled to several provinces spreading his advocacy through mural art.
The murals are part of the activities leading up to Mandaue City’s 45th Charter Day on August 30.
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