Jeepgrasya

Low Bas-Relief Mixed Media on Canvas
Cementitious compound, acrylic paint

A lasting symbol of Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness, the jeepney has carried generations of Filipinos through daily life while providing livelihood to countless families. In this work, the vehicle is rendered through a combination of painting and low bas-relief, with the hood, wheels, and front section projecting beyond the canvas, emphasizing its enduring presence on Philippine roads and in the national consciousness.

The title, Jeepgrasya, combines the words jeep and "grasya (meaning Blessing"). It reflects the jeepney's role as both a source of income and an accessible means of transportation. At the same time, it plays on the word disgrasya ("tragedy"), alluding to the uncertainty surrounding the gradual phaseout of traditional jeepneys. As the once-undisputed "King of the Road" faces an uncertain future, the artwork serves as both a tribute and a reflection on a cultural icon at a turning point in Philippine history.