Waves of Memories
Known for his impactful large-scale installations which highlights salvaged materials and
the story it embodies is Oscar Villamiel who, over the course of two years, have
passionately gathered tons of stash of discarded dolls from Payatas. With the goal of
revitalizing his experience of the Payatas dumpsite through engrossing himself with their
lifestyle, bloomed this solo show entitled Stories of Our Time.
Upon browsing the handbook for the art auction, Stories of Our Time kind of triggered my
fear of dolls. I know that its purpose is to not give the viewers a sense of fear but to tell a
story – a story that encapsulates his experience in the Payatas dumpsite and that is the
reason why I chose it from the rest. The piece itself reminded me of my childhood – how
my parents and siblings would use dolls to scare me off or shut me up, besides the
rambutan fruit. They would sometimes leave it by the stairs or by a chair, sitting erect and
staring right by the door frame. However, researching and reading its history was a whole
new insight.
The connection established from the piece to what I have seen throughout my living
years flashed as I was analyzing it. My mother’s side was not well-off – they are struggling
to get by. They would oftentimes call and ask for money and it was not a problem for my
mom because she was always willing to give what she can and have. What flashed was
that they were hoping and holding on to what we can offer them even if it is something
we have outgrew off or something we have worn out. What is important for them is that
they will treasure it as long as it serves its function to them. This exactly resonates with the
idea that the dolls utilize for this show was considered as a treasure by the children
residing in that area. What was once a treasure for the well-offs is now a treasure for the
those living in poverty. Therefore, this artwork and its history reflects the society and way
of living of people in Payatas – still in poverty and scavenging, hoping to find pieces that
will bring money into their pockets and foods into their mouth.
This piece will be reminder of a bittersweet memory. To be able to turn these trashes into
a treasure that is driven not only by passion but also emotion is already an unreachable
feat. Not only can I look back to rekindle my clueless, fearful self and the selflessness of
my mother to give what she can and them being grateful for what she has to offer, but
also the sad truth of what is still present in our society – poverty.