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Metro Manila’s bustling urban landscape may seem an unlikely setting for nature to thrive, yet resilience finds a way. In Vessels, ceramic artist Aileen Viñas captures the tenacity of plant life reclaiming spaces in the heart of the city. Inspired by her recent move to a densely populated area of Manila, Viñas became captivated by plants sprouting from unlikely places—cracks in walls, window ledges, and narrow pipes—each a testament to nature’s adaptability within the concrete sprawl.
Through her ceramic vessels, Viñas mirrors this dynamic by creating sculptures that hold live plants, offering viewers a living, evolving experience of urban greenery. Her work encourages a reimagining of urban life, showing how even the smallest touch of nature, from rooftop gardens to community green spaces, can transform our environment. With plant species native to Metro Manila, her pieces blend beauty with functionality, promoting urban gardening as a sustainable way to enhance city life. A highlight of Vessels is a collaborative installation made with local plant cuttings gathered in Paco, Manila. Supported by her partner, Kaiser Denwin, and her students, this piece symbolizes the impact of collective efforts, much like the community projects that brighten Manila’s neighborhoods with shared greenery and painted walls. As part of the exhibition, Viñas invites visitors to participate in a ceramic pot-making and planting workshop. Here, attendees can learn hands-on techniques while celebrating the resilience of nature within city limits, demonstrating how small acts of urban gardening can bring meaningful change to shared spaces. Vessels is a celebration of nature’s endurance and a call to embrace the potential for greener, more vibrant cities. Vessels will be on view at the NCCA Gallery in Intramuros, Manila, until December 31, 2024. Join Aileen Viñas in reimagining urban spaces as havens for resilience and renewal. |
