garden of unearthly delights

In her latest exhibition "A Tree is Not a Forest," artist GERALDINE JAVIER explores the storytelling potential of local flora.

- STEPHANIE FRONDOSO

WE MEANDER ALONG GERALDINE JAVIER'S WILD TROPICAL GARDEN, enraptured from every angle. Dragon fruit cacti on our left, fairytale rabbits on our right, a profusion of leaves and flowers everywhere. "Marigolds are the best protectors against insects," Geraldine says. We pass by a chicken coop. She peeks into the egg catcher and scoops out freshly-laid brown eggs. "The smaller Palawan chickens in the next coop are more suitable for cooking tinola." Among a copse of trees, she pauses to pick up fallen passionfruit. "I don't subscribe to the manicured lawn." Instead, she built a composting area and planted a plentiful variety of local vegetables.

Located in Cuenca, Batangas, Geraldine's haven has a panoramic view of Mount Maculot, part of the larger geological formation known as the Taal Caldera. Eagles often swoop down from the mountain, attracted to the chickens and rabbits. Owls, bats, and colorful birds also fly about, feeding on insects. All the elements in this place evidently participate in the harmony of life. Earthquakes caused by seismic activity from nearby Taal Volcano occur here so commonly, some lasting 24 hours, that the household members and their pets have grown accustomed to them and sleep right through the tremors.

Geraldine's art practice is wholly intertwined with her rural studio environment. In 2013, she relocated here with esteemed author, professor, and curator Tony Godfrey. Within a compound of living quarters and studio workshops, Tony built his private encyclopedic art library. That afternoon, he indulged us with a viewing of his enviable print collection and treated us with a browse through dozens of impressive titles, each one expertly classified. Doors and windows are always left open throughout these vine-clad structures. Their 11 dogs and two cats wander freely inside and out.