A narrative unlike most, “The Great Little Hunter” is a story that chronicles the fantastical adventure of young Ngayam. As bedtime comes around, his fear of the dark transforms his bedroom into a tropical forest, in which he valiantly encounters some of Philippine mythology’s greatest monsters – Wakwak, Sigbin and even Tikbalang. Guided by his father’s tales of brave warriors from days passed, Ngayam learns to conquer these fearsome creatures not through subjugation but through making peace; an adventure truly unique to its kind. The captivating combination between the written word and its visual content exquisitely allows viewers and readers alike to comprehend this deeply moving tale – as written by Ian Rosales Casocot and visualized by Hersely-Ven Casero – as if they were alongside Ngayam himself on his journey of awakening.
This thoroughly enthralling storytelling and visual artistry combined to create a majestic, interconnected narrative that evokes a sense of awe and wonder for both children and adults alike. It is as if a journey unfolds before us, connecting each page with the next to create a stunning tapestry of visual enchantment. Together, these works become an organic scroll – or perhaps more aptly likened to a living fresco – beginning at one end and leading seamlessly to the other with captivating beauty. One cannot help but be moved by the infinite loop of this magical tale – where even the last canvas appears as if ingeniously linked back to the first. Such is the staggering power of storytelling behind The Great Little Hunter!
By Lei Yesre
Hersley Casero is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Dumaguete City, Philippines. He received his BSC in Marketing and an Artist of the Year Award from Foundation University, and in 2018, the Negros Oriental Young Heroes Award in the field of Visual Arts. In 2019, Casero became the first Filipino to participate in the Chalk Hill Artist Residency program based in California USA, after they awarded him one of their limited spots as a sponsored artist.
Being born and raised in Dumaguete, the city has shaped Casero’s perspective as a visual artist and is the stage for many of his paintings and photographs. His works have been recognized and published in local, national and international publications and exhibitions.
Recently, he has earned several international awards & recognitions for his photography, including Finalist by Street Photography International Awards 2022, 2nd Prize & Finalist by the Italian Street Photography Awards 2022, ‘Category Winner of the Year’ by Muse Photography Awards 2021 and Silver Medal by Paris International Street Photography Awards 2020, to mention a few.
Over the years, Casero has explored and experimented with a wide spectrum of materials, subjects and concepts. He motivates others by collaborating through art projects like “Ha?: The Laughing Boy Project” and promoting the freedom of self expression through art.
