Art in Light: Tatsulob

An light fixture inspired by pandemic struggles of the working class.

The pyramids of social classes masked in varying layers of the pandemic is translated into a light spectacle that is Tatsulob. The artist, Joshua Ryan San Juan, who is also an architect, derived the name by referencing to Filipino terms tatsulok (triangle, the shape), taob (inverted, the positioning), and sulo (torch, the function). The seemingly random pyramids are his representation of regions in the Philippines.

The mountainous-like scene above are proportioned to the height of their respective economic productions (Gross Domestic Product) while the stalactites below explores the drip of wealth distributed to their populations (per capita). The whole geometric metal frame is wrapped in layers of fabrics, like layers of masks worn during the pandemic.

The subject and primary source of inspiration comes from the observed struggles of the Filipino working class in the time of pandemic. During the long quarantine, most workers have drained their resources having no income, and this further their urge to get back to work and make ends meet. As an architect, the artist comes into contact with construction workers and other informal workers. Arch. San Juan tries to capture their life of isang-kahig-isang-tuka, alluding to the flimsiness of their economic and healthcare standing. In his artistic exploration, he views the pandemic not as the real problem, rather as a cover or mask for the inequality built into the system of the Philippine economy; an inequality that leaves the majority of the workers unequipped to handle any tragedy, loss, or even this pandemic.

Architecturally, as both an art-piece and lighting fixture, the Tatsulob is ideally poised over stairways and atriums where its brilliant pyramids could be viewed above and below. Symbolically, the artist designed it as a reminder and as beacon of hope: to remind that as we step into comfortable well-lit homes or lobbies, that the very workers who built it may not have their own homes or pay their bills because of how little they have; and to hope that while we take steps climbing up stairs or gliding along hallways, we also walk towards better treatment of the workers. Like the light that Tatsulob sheds, it trickles up to our customers and down to our workers like light.

WE BECOME LIGHT.

Tatsulob was originally created for Visual Communication Materials and Techniques virtual exhibition in 2020, Philippine Women's University - School of Fine Arts and Design.

The virtual exhibition is available in Collapse of the Normal: The People's Woe Page

Tatsulob is now intended for a farm house in Cavite.