MANILA, Philippines - At a serendipitous meeting of Charlie Co and Jean Goulbourn, the two artists melded with a shared vision of wanting to help and inspire others, and the theme for Silk Cocoon’s 19th fundraising anniversary celebration was born.
When Charlie learned that the proceeds of the fundraising exhibit sales would go to the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation’s Hopeline project, a 24-hour emotional crisis hotline, he pondered on what to create on his blank canvas for a long while.
“Your Secret Is Safe With Me,” a 5x5 ft. acrylic on canvas painting depicts these well-trained responders who will become confidants, lending their ears to the callers’ problems. The center figure holds up his hand in a “telephone call” gesture while his other hand is holding a metal safe with a lock, which means confidentiality. The figures in the painting wear hats with colorful flowers, Co’s interpretation that there is hope and happiness beyond the dark side of depression. The man on the horse represents the first responder who comes to the rescue of a distressed caller. The man with an umbrella and a camera with paintbrushes on his side is the artist, referring to Co himself, who has captured past and present stories that confront him. The man on the left foreground holds a representation of a house, which means problems usually start in the home. In the background, there are figures of mannequins representing the many victims of depression. A tombstone and a hearse represent death — but there is still hope, as shown in the figure on right foreground. He holds a wine glass in his hand to celebrate the victory of overcoming the dark stage of one’s life. Charlie Co clearly sees hope, gratitude and happiness in life that is too precious to waste.
View the exhibit and limited edition barongs inspired by Charlie Co’s creations, at Silk Cocoon boutique, ground floor, New World Makati Hotel shopping arcade, tel. no. 811-6856.