Liberation Jeepney (2024 prototype)
In 2024, KBC created a Liberation Jeepney to embody creative resistance and community-engaged art.
This project explores the following questions:
This project is inspired by the Philippine Jeepney - vehicles that were abandoned in Manila by the American military after WWII. They were then repurposed by Filipinos as a form of affordable public tranportation mainly used by the poor and working class people. Jeepneys are distinguished on the streets by their maximalist, vibrant and “loud” graphic exteriors.
Our prototype jeepney is created from cardboard. It consists of four sections: front, two sides and back. KBC constructed the jeepney and friends and allies helped us paint the designs. In June 2024, we shared the Liberation Jeepney with the community at the Trans March (Toronto Pride). Jeepney Bearers held the separate parts of the jeepney, and when signaled, assembled to form the whole jeepney. We invited other marchers to occupy the space inside the jeepney and journey with us toward collective liberation.
This project explores the following questions:
- How do we celebrate Pride during war, genocide, and climate crisis?
- How can we engage our community with compassion and critical thinking?
- What teachings have our ancestors shared to guide us?
This project is inspired by the Philippine Jeepney - vehicles that were abandoned in Manila by the American military after WWII. They were then repurposed by Filipinos as a form of affordable public tranportation mainly used by the poor and working class people. Jeepneys are distinguished on the streets by their maximalist, vibrant and “loud” graphic exteriors.
Our prototype jeepney is created from cardboard. It consists of four sections: front, two sides and back. KBC constructed the jeepney and friends and allies helped us paint the designs. In June 2024, we shared the Liberation Jeepney with the community at the Trans March (Toronto Pride). Jeepney Bearers held the separate parts of the jeepney, and when signaled, assembled to form the whole jeepney. We invited other marchers to occupy the space inside the jeepney and journey with us toward collective liberation.
Jeepneys are currently under threat of being phased out by the Philippine government in favour of sterile electric buses that lack the flair and cultural boldness of the iconic Jeepney. As the “No To Jeepney Phase-out” movement states, the retirement of the Philippine Jeepney will mainly affect the working class drivers and those who rely on their services.
Our project honours their struggle and the art of the Jeepney.
Our project honours their struggle and the art of the Jeepney.
