Original Story
This is a collection of pieces dedicated to an original story that I am developing. Currently, this work is untitled. All characters are my own.
The story follows two godlike beings, Kiir and Dion, who find themselves thrusted into the world of humans with their only way back is to gather the missing relics that the gods once gifted to humanity. They are forced to travel with a down-on-her-luck archeologist, nicknamed Wy, who thinks she can use these two to find rare artifacts to boost her reputation. Using Kiir and Dion's knowledge and strength and Wy's wealth, they journey across the world in search of these long lost relics all the while being pursued by someone who may want those for more sinister reasons...
With the story of these three characters, I want to show the affects of colonialism and neo-imperialism on marginalized groups and oppressed peoples. And although I focus mainly on Filipino culture, I realize the importance to address topics such as this because this extends beyond Filipinos, and even if my art and story plays the smallest of rolls, I am grateful to bring awareness nonetheless.
Wy (left), Kiir (middle), Dion (right)
Kiir(key- ear)
Kiir is my most developed character in this series. A lot of my current work revolves around him. Much of it is him in his traditional clothes.
Although son of a god, he struggles with being mortal. He's got a rough exterior but is very passionate about his culture and those he loves.
Work showcased at the 8th annual Long Beach Parol Lantern Festival, Liwanangan ang Langit - Together We Light the Sky, in the Katie Phillips Gallery located at the Expo Arts Center in Long Beach, CA.
This piece is stained glass and measures 16 inches x 23 inches.
Dion(dee-on)
This concept is of Dion in his traditional clothes.
Dion is the sweetheart and muscle of the group, passionate about protecting his brother figure, Kiir.
Wy(why)
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The story contains a lot of anti-colonialism and anti-imperialist themes. The story is told through Kiir and Dion's characters, understanding the world through their eyes, their lived experiences, and their culture. Wy's character counters theirs and is depicted as ignorant and privileged, and I wanted her design to reflect that, especially in the beginning when she first meets the two. The pith helmet being an example, a symbol of European colonialism.
Throughout their journey, Kiir and Dion teach her a broader worldview and intellectual humility, and she eventually becomes empathetic to their goal of returning the artifacts of their culture back where they belong.
Daanan(dah-ah-nan)
Daanan is one of the twin spirit guardians that protect the bridge between the spirit world (where the gods live) and the human world. Daanan was the guardian on the side of the human world in the sacred temple while their twin was on the spirit side. The bridge has been destroyed since ancient times and does not work because the missing relics must be returned. They currently reside in the spirit world with their sister.
Sacred Temple
This is the sacred temple that once served as the bridge between the spirit world and the human world. This is where the gods' relics were housed before it was looted and where Daanan used to guard. The temple presently is lost to time, buried and withered away by the elements. Human greed took away anything of value.
This is the location where Kiir and Dion first meet Wy, and it is a significant location in the series. Kiir and Dion have to return all the artifacts on their rightful god-respective pedestal to open the bridge and return home.
Detail images of my sculpts for some of the stone assets. Lots of them are inspired by traditional Filipino patterns.
Thank you for getting this far! This series means everything to me, and I really appreciate you going through my work.
Hopefully, some day in the future, I can fully realize Kiir's, Dion's, and Wy's story.❤️