Sari Sari

In this mixed-media work, Henri Lamy offers a vibrant, kaleidoscopic tribute to the urban soul of the Philippines. The painting functions as a visual collage, blending portraiture, street life, and intricate patterns into a single cohesive narrative that captures the organized chaos of Manila’s daily rhythms.

At the heart of the composition is a contemplative portrait, rendered with Lamy's characteristic expressive brushwork and warm, golden skin tones. This face emerges from a background saturated with cultural signifiers: a local eatery (carinderia) advertising "sandwiches, pâtes, boissons," and a meticulously painted scooter—the ubiquitous symbol of mobility in Poblacion.

The work is framed by a rich border of tribal and geometric patterns, reminiscent of both traditional Filipino weaves and contemporary street art. These red and blue motifs create a "patchwork" effect that mirrors the aesthetic of a Sari-sari store—a Filipino community hub where diverse items coexist in a small, bustling space. By combining figurative elements with abstract patterns and urban scenery, Sari Sari II serves as a colorful time capsule of the artist's residency experience, celebrating the enduring spirit and multifaceted identity of Filipino street culture.