VIII ART AND ENVIRONMENT: CAPTURING LIFE'S PERPETUAL FLUX SCULPTOR IMPY PILAPIL IN NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE

VIII

ART AND ENVIRONMENT: CAPTURINg LIFE'S PERPETUAL FLUX SCULPTOR IMPY PILAPIL IN NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE

Filipina sculptor Impy Pilapil follows a notable list of Filipino artists who have made their mark in France. Pilapil's contribution of a 3-meter high, 800 kilogram sculpture of stone and steel has found its home at the Square Martial Massiani, a public park in the City of Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. The City of Neuilly-sur-Seine is a prominent French commune found just west of Paris in the department of Hauts-de-Seine.

Figure 228. The Impy Pilapil sculpture titled FERN is the first contemporary Filipino sculpture to be installed in a public space in France.

The sculpture, entitled FERN, is the first contemporary Filipino sculpture to be installed in a public space in France. It was donated by the Philippine government to the City of Neuilly-sur-Seine on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and France.

Ambassador Ma.Theresa P. Lazaro, together with Neuilly-sur-Seine Mayor Jean-Christophe Fromantin formally inaugurated the sculpture on 5 April 2018.

Figure 229. Ambassador Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro delivers her remarks at the inauguration ceremony of FERN with Neuilly-sur-Seine Mayor Jean-Christophe Fromantin.

The choice of Pilapil and her sculpture by the Philippine government for this historic installation is primarily based on the symbolism of FERN and that the sculptor is a woman, evidence of gender mainstreaming in Philippine art. FERN, in the words of the artist, "becomes my voice in resonating with the magnificence of nature." FERN reminds everyone that if politics used art to communicate values, this particular art piece will remind everyone to protect the environment and respect the only planet we have.

Impy Pilapil’s Statement on FERN

Life is in perpetual flux. It surrounds us no matter where we are and envelops us in its embrace. It is ever present even in this urban world that we have battered and shaped to conform to our whims. In the midst of this incessant din, nature never ceases to remind us of its presence. However, in this era of constant and instant information, it is still taken for granted.

What we have built over generations can be toppled in mere seconds by a natural disaster. Volcanoes spewing molten rock and ash have wiped out civilizations. Yet, the very soil from the aftermath of these eruptions is also the most fertile on Earth that in turn, helps nature rebuild anew.

We, as an integral part of this ever-changing planet, are not just weary passengers on a rock hurtling through space. We are the stewards of this world, and what we do in our lifetimes affects everyone and everything that comes after us. The responsibility to care for living things in any way, shape, or form falls on our proverbial shoulders.

As an artist mindful of our environment, Art is the medium that becomes my voice in resonating with the magnificence of nature. The unfurling frond of FERN signifies new life beginning. Using steel underlines how mankind can conscientiously use technology to emulate nature, and exist alongside it in symbiosis. The color white imbues the pure and pristine innocence of new beings coming into existence -- a parallel to choices we make in revitalizing our lifestyles to ensure a brighter tomorrow.

Through this sculpture, I aim to invoke contemplation and willful awareness for environmental preservation that I hope would develop between people from different walks of life. This goal is a difficult one that requires a greater collective effort.

FERN brings to light the force of nature that is LIFE—projecting a presence that will kindle a definite attitude to cooperatively come together for a more sustainable and harmonious future on earth.

Figure 230. Filipina sculptor Impy Pilapil (left) at her atelier.

As both France and the Philippines are leading voices on the issue of climate change, this sculpture holds particular significance as it is a testament to the commitment of the two countries in preserving the environment. The choice of installing the sculpture in a park that is open to all and especially to children, gives the location a symbolic aspect.

Figure 231. Members of the diplomatic community join Ambassador Lazaro and Mayor Fromantin for the formal launching of the FERN sculpture.

The installation of the sculpture affirms that art is indeed universal, illustrating the vibrant exchange of cultures, transmission of universal values of truth, naturalness, authenticity, respect, and spontaneity in relations among peoples and nations.