Put a Sock In It (a postsecret project): Ateneo Student Exhibit

Inspired by Frank Warren's http://postsecret.blogspot.com/, the Put a Sock In It: a postsecret project student exhibit celebrates the idea of a secret: its anonymity, the power it holds, and the sharing of a secret.



Drop boxes were placed all over campus, where students can anonymously contribute their secrets written in creative and colorful designs. Random (or maybe the juiciest) secrets were selected and displayed in different categories: "Let's Get It On;" "I'm Gay Too;" "Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart in my mouth;" "What? Me? Weird?;" and "I Know Who You Are." These categories were determined by the number of secrets that go under them. For example, because there were too many secrets about sex, the "Let's Get It On" category was created.


The "Let's Get It On" category are secrets that involve erotic thoughts and activities. The exhibit explains that sex is a popular "hushed" subject among peers, and this is especially true here in the Philippines. Sex is taboo and yet so many people do or desire it. Like Kathryn in Cruel Intentions said, "everybody does it; it's just that nobody talks about it.

The "I'm Gay Too" category is obviously about being in the closet. Although acceptance and/or tolerance has grown for gays and lesbians, there are still millions of them hiding in the closet, especially in "the event of anticipated discrimination." Most of the secrets in this category not only has to do with keeping the fact that one is gay, it largely involves being in love with a friend of the same sex, and the desire and fear to finally let them know about it.

The category entitled "Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart in my mouth" is about hidden romantic relationships, which are often hid to prevent ridicule, contempt, rejection, or hostility especially from one's family. Emo as it may sound, most secrets here talk about the need to express one's love for another - or the regret in being unable to do so.

"What? Me? Weird?" contains secrets regarding the "fallacy of uniqueness" of adolescents. This is all about the self - delusions about one's self-image or desires to change one's character. I'm not sure I understand this category correctly, but I think it's all about how one perceives and lives with the self in connection to the society.

Finally, the category with the most amusing secrets would be "I Know Who You Are." Like the exhibit says, "secrecy can be a source of power." Secrets can be used for blackmailing someone or as a way to feel better about oneself. It can become a big source of hostility; if the secret isn't out then there's blackmail, if it is out then there's backstabbing.



To have secrets is universal and enjoyable, so it would be of no surprise that the Put a Sock In It: a postsecret project student exhibit will be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders. The exhibit will be on display at the first floor of Manny V. Pangilinan building in Ateneo de Manila University from September 25 to 28.

Kudos to its organizers who set up the exhibit as a major project for the Fine Arts 168.6 Exhibition Design class under Ma. Victoria Herrera.