Blic Pinas, otherwise known as ‘BLIC’, is widely recognised as one of the Philippines’ most prolific street artists. His trademark motif is a personified hand, which the artist employs as a tool for universal communication. As BLIC explains, ‘like people, hands have their own uniqueness, abilities and their own stories. It is also one of the reasons why there’s growth within our environment, a manipulator of change. Like the public, hands also communicate. Hands have their own language too. They connect with everybody else.’ i
Colourful and energetic at first glance, BLIC’s signature hand protagonist is presented in The Cyclist riding a bicycle downhill. Though they appear to be moving fast, leaning slightly forward over the handlebars, a red and white caution sign sits in their path as an indicator for oncoming drivers to stop or reduce their speed. This is perhaps also alluded to by the traffic-light coloured fruit bowl in place of the figure’s face.
Like the late Japanese painter Tetsuya Ishida who was celebrated for his surrealist portrayals of city life, BLIC too, draws from his urban landscape for inspiration for his concepts. However, whereas Ishida’s compositions reflect on uncertainty and unease, BLIC’s are characterised by his playful, lively touch. Represented by the Dorothy Circus Gallery and FNG-ART, BLIC is also a founding member of Cavity Collective, a local community for street artists based in Cavite.