Mr. S and Blic collaborate on a mural at Tumba-Tumba

In March, contemporary visual artists Mr. S and Blic collaborated on a 100-ft mural at the Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art in Ibaan, Batangas. The mural, which will be part of next year’s If Trees Could Talk biennale, was inspired by the artists’ advocacy of taking care of the environment while we still can. It’s a kind of “nature trip,” they said—an invitation for humans to listen to and catch up with nature, instead of the other way around, where nature is here to serve us. 

“Malaking honor para sa amin na ma-include sa [artist] line-up nitong space,” said Blic, who began working with Mr. S on urban art and street murals after seeing his work in Antipolo. Their first collaboration together was a piece in Imus, Cavite. To them, it's essential to be able to educate the youth on environmental issues, especially given the state of the planet today. 

When asked what he thinks trees would tell him if they could talk, Mr. S, who illustrated Pusang Kartero, said: “In a literal sense talaga—kung makakapagsalita sila, makakapagreklamo sana sila sa ginagawa ng mga tao. Sabihin nila, ‘Enjoyin mo kami habang nandito pa kami.’”

Mr. S is known for his whimsical and imaginative works featuring children, nature, and cats, often in soft, muted colors, while Blic is known for his signature “humands”—personified, expressive hands.