Miggie Bacungan's graphic design challenges the artificial flavouring of pop culture imagery
Miggie Bacungan is a freelance multidisciplinary designer and a visual communication student based in Parañaque, Philippines. His work is a unique blend of storytelling and world-building, creating a chaotic yet organized aesthetic inspired by 2000s nostalgia and hyper-saturated colors. Bacungan's style is particularly striking, drawing from the kitschy visual elements of tarpaulin advertisements and posters found across Metro Manila.
His project, Artificial Flavouring, is a fascinating exploration of pop culture imagery. It takes inspiration from sign posters, street food vendors, Jeepney decals with Catholic imagery, and bootleg images found at local markets. The result is a visually stunning representation of a model city made out of vibrant instant noodle packets, challenging the artificial and superficial aspects of pop culture.
Bacungan's other project, Kain Tayo, delves into the rising inflation rates of the Filipino economy and the harsh reality of poverty. It explores the idea of humans resorting to eating inedible objects due to extreme food costs. This project is a powerful commentary on the dark side of low-grade advertisements in poor economies, using unconventional typefaces and cluttered compositions to expose the corruption and poverty beneath the surface.
What makes Bacungan's work so compelling is his ability to challenge the status quo. He isn't just representing our visual culture; he's questioning it. His unique style and thought-provoking projects make him an up-and-coming designer to watch. With his innovative approach to graphic design, Bacungan is pushing the boundaries of what is possible, offering a fresh perspective on the world around us.
