Origin of the Stars

Rodel Tapaya’s painting practice resonates within broader global conversations on decolonisation and socio-political critique. His Folk Narratives series sees myths and folktales from different parts of the Philippines reimagined for the present, revealing in their fantastical imagery and rich symbolism a unique vision of contemporary Filipino identity that celebrates the knowledge and belief systems that pre-date the arrival of European colonisers.

In Origin of the Stars, 2013, Rodel Tapaya paints the Tagalog folktale about the rivalry between Araw, the sun, and Buan, the moon. Wanting to rule both night and day, Buan would appear even when the sun was still in the sky. Lihangin, the wind, advised Buan not to occupy part of Araw’s kingdom, for Araw was just and Buan must behave in the same way. But Buan ignored Lihangin’s advice and continued to rile Araw, until they fought and Buan was badly hit. Parts of his body were scat- tered across the sky and became stars, while he lost his former radiance, retaining only a ghostly glow.