BLUM
mixed media on
3 × 4 ft. watercolor paper
BLUM (Blumentritt) is an artwork I did for my 4th Manila Ukiyo-E solo show, We Are All Time Machines at the BenCab Museum via Galleria Camaya in 2021.
I’ve lived in Manila all my life and have been accompanying my mother to Blumentritt’s infamous wet market since I was a child, and I wanted to pay homage to its beauty, which other people don’t often see.
I have been an artist for more than 20 years at the time and not once have I seen the beauty of Blumentritt put into painting. It’s often seen as an unsavory place, with all the snatchers, garbage, and the undeniable unpleasant smell that permeates the whole area.
I, too, when I was a child, saw it the same way, but as I grew up into adulthood, I slowly began to love it because I’ve been to other cities and nothing really compares to it. It’s not the best street, but it’s my street.
I know its nooks and crannies and recognize the faces of vendors like family members; I know where to get the best kakanin and the best deal on fish and meat, at least where my mom and dad get them.
I’ve also lost a cell phone due to a pickpocket, chased down a snatcher who took my hat, and I even got stabbed in the lung for fighting off 3 muggers, which I successfully did, and I survived but almost bled to death, leading to a near-death experience, but still, I love this place. It’s my home.
I’d still be hypervigilant when I pass by or visit Blumentritt, don’t get me wrong, but even with that, I can’t deny it’s true unapologetic beauty. Like untamed flowers, even with the harshest conditions, it's able to blossom and bloom.
by Marius Black 2021
Art & Poetry Book
BLUM •work in progress
My BLUM artwork is beloved by many, not just people who are from Blumentritt but anyone who like looking at the artwork’s intricate detail, it’s vibrant colors or just the wonderful interpretation of what is Manila and the Philippines.
With that in mind, it’s also not a surprise that a lot of people want to own a poster print of BLUM, and this section is how you can also get a copy of it for yourself, or to give as a gift.
Choose from what type of print and size you’d like to get and E-mail us with the subject BLUM PRINT at
kurosakustudio@gmail.com
BLUM - Prints🔵
🔵GICLÉE CANVAS PRINTS
The giclėe canvas prints are the best we can offer that is the closest to the actual artwork. It’s a high quality print, archival canvas shipped from Germany. It even has texture and more often than not, when people look at the canvas print, they mistaken it for the actual artwork.
When you order the giclėe canvas print it already comes with a frame so that you can easily hang and display it. You can choose from our different sizes as well so that it perfectly fits your home.
You may also choose for it not to be framed and be rolled, packed and protected in a tube if you plan to fly it overseas.
🔵POSTER
PRINTS
Poster prints are one of our highly bought version of BLUM and other print designs. It’s very compact way of still obtaining the artwork and admiring it in your home. It’s printed Coated Two Sides or C2S, A type of paper or cardstock with a glossy, matte, or satin finish on both sides, commonly used for brochures, catalogs, and postcards
When you order the poster prints, it will not be framed, however, it will be mounted on board with plastic cover to protect it in transport and still be ready for mounting and display as is. It’s perfect for gifts or for flying overseas especially when we have two sizes to choose from.
BIG PRINT SAMPLE
SMALL PRINT SAMPLES
