MANILA, Philippines — An interactive art exhibit representing Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection has been a symbolic tradition during Holy Week for 11 years in this upscale side of Taguig City.
The display titled, “Walkway: Reflections on Stations of the Cross” features a modern flair to passion of Christ through interactive art installations.
“Walkway” is an annual project of independent organization, Church Simplified, which established 14 stations located from Bonifacio High Street to 17th Avenue in Taguig City.
INQUIRER.net photo / Consuelo Marquez
Bebo Bharwani, pastor of Church Simplified, explained that this year’s exhibit has a theme of “Remember How He [Christ] Lived For Us,” which focused on the impact of Christ’s death on Filipino’s lives.
“We try to use Jesus as the focal point to see how has he impacted the world — how we will change because of what he did 2,000 years ago,” Bharwani told INQUIRER.net on Good Friday.
The pastor said they used art installations to develop a “different perspective” in recalling Christ’s death and resurrection.
INQUIRER.net photo / Consuelo Marquez
“Part of why we use art to engage it because art has a way of breathing new life to these messages that we are all familiar naman. It takes someone to point a different perspective so we can appreciate it again,” he said.
Every station includes activities such as writing notes about their loved ones and posting photos of the sculptures on social media.
The 14 stations are: The Proof, The Present, The Rumor, The Giver of Chances, The Child, The Scapegoat, The Stranger, The Feminist, The Healer, The Innocent, The Friend of Sinners, The Pacifist, The Teacher and The Failure.
Historic value
Aside from reflecting during the exhibit, it also educates visitors on history such as the politics during the Roman empire, which is installed at the first station.
“Station 1, you are greeted by the Roman Arc it sets the tone for during the time there was revolution people wanted to rebel against Rome so there was politically just hot,” Bharwani said.
Bharwani also said memorial stones were featured for national heroes who died without seeing their fulfilled dreams such as national hero Jose Rizal.
“We have memorial stones for people who died without seeing their dreams come true. We have a memorial to Jose Rizal, he wrote all of these books but didn’t see the day that Philippines was liberated,” he said.
Notable activities
One of the interactive stations was Station 13, “The Proof,” which allows guests to appreciate a person in their life who they think has often been overlooked by writing on a card to honor them. The card will be displayed on a red rack using a clothespin.
“If we open our eyes, we will see there is potential to discover God in the everyday moments we share with others,” the description on the station read.
Meanwhile, at Station 10 or “The Child,” a heart-shaped sculpture with photos of families was displayed. The station encourages people to pray and reflect about their family members, even if they have strained relationships with them.
A soothing Christian music was also played to create a solemn atmosphere for visitors reflecting at the stations.
Families and friends may also rest and dine at restaurants and coffee shops stationed at the sidelines of the exhibit.
Marga Gonzales, a corporate trainer, said it was her first time to visit the Walkway, saying she was interested about the unique way of reflecting through art exhibits with activities.
“It is very interactive so far na nakakatuwa na normal people regular passersby can just read about the faith. Very interesting siya,” Gonzales told INQUIRER.net.
Around 18,000 to 22,000 visitors are expected to experience “Walkway” every year to reflect on the death and passion of Christ during Holy Week.
The interactive display on the Stations of the Cross is open from April 14 to April 21 at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Bharwani also invited the public for a free Easter Concert with local musical artists Urbandub, Unique, South Border, Barbie Almalbis and Aia de Leon to be held at 6 p.m. of April 21 at the BHS Amphitheater in Taguig City. /jpv