Ilonggo artists transform flyovers, bridges into works of art

BURST OF COLORS The Iloilo City government taps local artists for a street art project that transforms bridges and flyovers into colorful attractions amid the pandemic. —PHOTO COURTESY OF ILOILO CITYMAYOR’S OFFICE

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines — This city is bursting with colors even amid prolonged community quarantine restrictions and economic slump due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major bridges and flyovers here have been painted with bright and striking color combinations as part of the local government’s makeover of the city’s thoroughfares.

“As we continue to promote street art in Iloilo City, aside from murals, we painted [our] bridges to give [the city] additional vibrance and allure…,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.

The street art project of the city government in partnership with a paint manufacturer involves 10 Iloilo artists belonging to Baysulangpu Artists Society who were contracted by the city government.

Uplifting spirits

Five of the artists have been painting at the three main bridges while the others have transformed three flyovers into a large art canvas.

The 316-meter flyover on General Luna Street are painted with colors reflecting a rainbow while its 16 posts are painted with landmarks and tourist destinations in Iloilo City.

Edwin de los Reyes, one of the artists, said their design concepts, which were submitted for approval to the mayor’s office, sought to uplift the spirits of Ilonggos battling the pandemic and prolonged community quarantine restrictions.

The city was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine on May 23 but this status was raised to the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine on July 16 due to rising infections.

“We want to cheer them up when they commute or walk by the bridges and flyovers,” De los Reyes told the Inquirer in a telephone interview.

The artists use water-based acrylic paint and their work on the bridges and flyovers will last for about two months depending on weather conditions.

De los Reyes said the project also helped local artists who were struggling due to quarantine restrictions.

“We can only hold online exhibits and access of collectors to our artworks is limited,” he said.

—NESTOR P. BURGOS JR.