Art installations create an immersive experience for the viewers; their three-dimensional nature distinguishes them from other forms of art. This PALAKASAN 2025, the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) conveyed a compelling message through its art installation, one of the many events in the competition.
Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology—specifically the Moirai, commonly known as the Fates—CASS reimagined Tali, the college icon, as a weaver of fate. In Greek myth, the Fates hold immense power, weaving the destinies of individuals. “Tali is neither a demon nor a goddess. It is something far more powerful, far more ancient,” says Irah Guiang, Governor of the CASS Executive Council.
The installation entitled, “Tali: The Weaver of Dominion,” showcases Tali looming above all, weaving threads of fate into each college icon. Alongside it stand Araknos, its giant spider ally—both reminding everyone that their fate is inevitable, dictated by a force far greater than themselves.
Amidst this grand display, Talino, the recently deceased resident cat of CASS, sits quietly below, observing the chaos that this ancient power brings to the world. “We wanted to pay homage to Talino,” the Governor adds in the same interview.
Beyond Greek mythology, Governor Guiang describes the installation as distinctly “CASS-coded,” as it redefines and questions the very nature of power. “The inspiration is really revolving around the basic concepts here in CASS,” she explains, referring to the humanities’ role in deconstructing and reconstructing metaphysical ideas, including destiny. Do we truly have a choice if fate exists?
More than a mere competition entry, this piece delivers a powerful statement: the social sciences have always been embedded in every discipline. From mathematics to computer science, they serve as the threads that weave these fields into life. In an era where the humanities are often dismissed as “useless,” reduced to “pwede ra ma chatgpt ang lessons,” the installation stands as a protest against the devaluation of the social sciences.
“It tries to convey that CASS, or Tali representing CASS, is actually a holistic part of society,” says Norjhan Rasuman, the head of this event, sharing what the piece is trying to convey to the audience.
Like the Fates—or Tali—the social sciences are fundamental to the structures of all academic disciplines. Whether in engineering, nursing, education, laboratory, and the ever-expanding field of computer studies, society, culture, and history are undeniable forces in shaping these fields. Without the humanities and ethical responsibility, these disciplines would struggle to contribute meaningfully to progress and development in the community.
Like Tali, art, the humanities, and the social sciences are far more ancient; far more powerful than often recognized.
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