High School Basement

Series 1/8

16”x20”

Oil on canvas

Completed: June 2023 in Bale Pinaud, Pampanga, Philippines

Inspired by their high school years in the 1980s at the University of the Philippines Integrated School. This graffiti style invites viewers to explore the intriguing narrative it depicts.

In this painting, goliATH brings forth a poignant reflection on the contrast between the pristine learning environment and the neglected basement. As students immersed themselves in subjects like math, science, and the arts amidst the school’s idyllic surroundings, a stark reality existed beneath them. The basement, once intended for educational purposes, had devolved into a chaotic junkyard, strewn with broken desks, tables, and chairs.

The rainy season exacerbated the situation, transforming the basement into a severely flooded space due to the absence of basic drainage systems. This painting reminds of the significance in adhering to architectural guidelines encompassing Venustas (beauty), Firmitas (firmness), and Utilitas (utility) in structural designs.

“High School Basement” talks about the dichotomy between the pristine and the neglected, invites to contemplate the importance of maintaining a harmonious and functional environment. It reminds the lasting impact that neglecting essential infrastructure can have on the spaces we inhabit, and the urgent need for conscious design decisions that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality.