Evidence as artwork: chainsaws seized from illegal logging operations in Palawan by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.

"Where There's A Will, There's A Way explored the complexity of art and the intricacies of the legal system in the country. Tagged as evidence, there was reluctance to lend the chainsaws. Presenting evidence as artwork traverses unexpected lines. Clar’s work exposed the weave of communication channels needed to unravel the bureaucratic system meant to protect the environment. It invites the viewer to see the efforts in protecting the environment, as well as the challenges within the system."
Words by James Tana

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I was honored to be selected to participate in one of the Art Fair Philippines residencies this year, applying to work at Butanding Barrio in Puerto Princesa. Butanding Barrio is a collaborative community space and immersive natural experience that promotes co-existence with neighboring species.

As part of the residency I was shown production facilities that use locally sourced materials, visited sustainable farms, and artist communities to learn more about the local culture and heritage. The richness of Palawan culture is seen in the natural environment that provides for these local communities.

Wanting to spark conversation and bring awareness on the balance between development and sustainability, we embarked on a months-long lobby to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) in order to obtain chainsaws that were seized during use in illegal logging and showcase them as sculptures during the art fair.

Chainsaws are highly regulated in Palawan, even owning one officially requires official registration. So it can be a sensitive material to use as a narrative art medium. We've had multiple denials for our requests, however, through the residency, conversations with officials, and our extended network we were finally able to obtain permission to receive them. The logistics of achieving this become part of the residency artwork itself.