Peace is not a path walked alone; it’s a fleet of boats, sailing side by side through uncertain waters, toward a shared horizon. Each boat, with its own story, carries its weight, its struggles, and its aspirations. Some glide on calm seas, others fight through the storm. But only together, in harmony, can they reach the shore.
This year, UP Diliman’s Pag-iilaw 2024 features the work of the renowned Mindanawon artist, and 2017 UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awardee, Kublai Millan. The artwork thoroughly and aptly named “Lawig,” uses boats to convey a profound message about navigating through our differences and driving towards a common goal; peace and unity. As the fleet of boats adorns the academic oval’s lampposts, they serve, not only as mere decorations but rather as guiding lights reminding us of the connectedness we forge even in the darkest of hours.
About the art installation
The art installation is anchored by a flag ship, positioned behind the iconic Oblation statue—a poignant reimagining of a national symbol, traditionally representative of sacrifice and patriotism, honor and excellence. With the campus’ annual Christmas lighting tradition, Lawig extends an invitation to overcome the metaphorical seas that separate us. The flag ship thus symbolizes both leadership and collective action, calling on each individual to take their part in the larger movement of reconciliation, understanding, and solidarity.
Of metaphors and perceived concepts of peace
The imagery of “Lullabyes” as reflections on water introduces a serene yet poignant concept of peace. For Kublai, this is how he visualizes peace. These undulating visualizations, which echo the fluidity of water, suggest that peace is not a fixed state, but a dynamic process—one that requires constant renewal, care, and cultivation. The way the cloud’s reflections on the water shift with the light of the day, transforming into stars, as day turns to night, underscores the temporality and beauty of peace, as well as its inherent fragility.
The fisherfolk pulling the net together from the Lullabye-adorned boat serves as the metaphor for the collective effort to “catch” peace. For the artist, Lawig is a reinforcement of the notion that peace requires oneness — a visual reminder that peace is something we can only achieve, despite our differences, when we all pull together.
An interactive experience and the essence of collective efforts
Behind the artwork is a set of stairs that people can climb up to hold the nets and become an integral part of the message Lawig is conveying; that regardless of background, we are all being called upon and invited to take part in driving towards peace.
Connectedness, collective responsibility, and the pursuit of peace; are experiential metaphors that the powerful visual of Lawig serves. It inspires us to recognize our interconnectedness, celebrate our diversity, and engage in the shared journey toward a brighter, common horizon. The boats, reflections, fisherfolk, and nets unite to create a profound reminder that peace and unity are not simply given—they are actively pursued, woven together by our collective strength, bringing us closer to the shared future we all yearn for.
About the artist
Kublai Millan is a renowned Mindanawon painter and sculptor who is behind various notable art installations and larger-than-life sculptures in various places across the country such as the Giant Durian Genesis Lore sculpture in Davao International Airport, Buddha sa BuDa, and the recently setup Salam Monument in Mirador Heritage and Eco-spirituality Park in Baguio City. Through these art installations, and his other works, he continues to uplift his advocacies through art while also promoting the rich culture and heritage of Mindanao.
