Diorama artist Chino Yuseco is on a roll. After gaining attention for his miniature takes on a sari-sari store and Monica and Rachel’s iconic apartment on Friends, the miniature sculptor is back with his painstaking attention to detail in this realistic depiction of a local shanty—from the run-down and stacked makeshift houses, to the ubiquitous community sari-sari store that also serves as the neighborhood watering hole.
Using balsa wood, rattan, sintra boards, resin and recycled materials, Chino has not left out any perspective in this miniature project that seems to contain every detail—including the hodgepodge of clothes left to dry out front, as well as the weathered posters and advertisements that add color and chaos to the setting.
“I’ve always been fascinated with toys and miniatures,” Chino tells Coconuts. “In December 2019, I attended a toy convention and saw a guy selling dioramas. I was about to purchase one when I thought maybe I should try making it myself for half the price.”
According to Chino, the diorama, entitled “Brighter Tomorrow”, is a commissioned project by International Care Ministries (ICM), a non-profit involved in alleviating poverty in the country. The artist began the diorama in mid-July and finished it in September. Miniature projects typically take 1-2 months to create, Chino said.
The diorama will be one of several artworks to be auctioned at their annual global banquet in Hong Kong on October 28.
Chino adds that the “Brighter Tomorrow” diorama represents the usual communities that the organization serves, with a mix of urban and rural influences.
Interested bidders may register for the bidding here.
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