Filipino Stars Pose For Jan Mayo’s Faces & Flora
Celebrities pose amidst indigenous plants in Jan Mayo's award-winning exhibition, Faces & Flora, seamlessly merging beauty, fashion, and botanical brilliance
Words Mika Reyes
Photos Jennefer Sneddon
February 20, 2023
Faces and Flora: A Philippine Native Plant Photography Exhibition by Photographer Jan Mayo at the Nat’l Museum of Natural History
Last February 14, Jan Mayo unveils his captivating series, Faces and Flora: A Philippine Native Plant Photography Exhibition. Winner of the esteemed 2022 Fujifilm GFX Challenge Grant, Mayo's lens captures the intricate dance between humanity and nature through the lens of indigenous plants, offering a visual feast that transcends mere aesthetics.
Collaborating with eminent botanists from the National Museum of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines-Institute of Biology, and the Philippine Taxonomic Initiative, Inc., Mayo's exhibition aims to weave a narrative of our deep-rooted connection with the natural world. The display accentuates the vital role that native and endemic flora play in sustaining our ecosystem and sheds light on their significance in various industries, including textiles, food production, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
“I hope that this exhibition can introduce what we, in the creative industry, do to a wider audience. This is what we regularly do in magazine editorials. For sure, some people will say, Beauty portraits with flowers? Groundbreaking. Yes, it has been done time and time again since the early days of photography, but what makes this project unique is that it was done in consultation and in collaboration with Filipino scientists. And I hope that this exhibition could help explore more collaborations with these two fields and with other fields as well,” shares Mayo.
Faces and Flora: A Philippine Native Plant Photography Exhibition by Photographer Jan Mayo
From the vibrant hues of Noni and Tayum used in traditional textile dyeing to the cosmetic prowess of Tabigi/Piyagaw, Mayo's exhibition delves into the rich tapestry of Philippine biodiversity. Each image is a testament to the essential interdependence between humans and the flora that surrounds us.
The collaborative effort involved in bringing Faces and Flora to life extends beyond the lens, as Mayo worked closely with scientists and researchers. The exhibition becomes a catalyst for public engagement, urging Filipinos to embrace the importance of indigenous plants and take a united stand against introducing non-native species into our landscapes.
During the exhibition's opening, Mayo shared the journey that led to this remarkable showcase. Having participated in the Fujifilm GFX Challenge Grant twice, he faced the challenge of standing out in a global competition. Inspired by his Filipino roots, Mayo found the winning idea in beauty portraits featuring native and endemic plants. His proposal not only secured the regional grant but also secured a spot in the National Museum of Natural History, a promise he was determined to fulfill.
2022 Fujifilm GFX Challenge Grantee Jan Mayo
Mayo's vision for Faces and Flora goes beyond the gallery walls; it serves as a bridge between the creative industry and scientific community. The exhibition invites viewers to explore the intricate relationship between beauty, fashion, and the natural world while fostering dialogues on environmental issues through a lens of contemporary art.
Celebrities such as Iza Calzado, Nadine Lustre, Maria Isabela Galeria, and Jach Manere grace the exhibition, lending their faces to the profound message embedded in each portrait. Their participation adds a touch of star power to an already stellar showcase of Philippine biodiversity.
As Faces and Flora unfolds, it not only celebrates Mayo's triumph but marks a collective victory for Filipino creatives and scientists. This exhibition is a testament to the boundless possibilities when knowledge merges with artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of beauty, fashion, and the natural world.
