Artist says ‘levitating’ woman sculpture at UP product of ‘own imagination’

The brass sculpture displayed at the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Quezon City caught the attention of some netizens as it seemed to be a "copycat" of an installation in The Netherlands called as "The Virgins of Apeeldoorn."

To end speculations, Ferdinand Cacnio, a visual artist who created the piece in UP, responded to questions regarding his work.

In a comment, Cacnio said, "I did it first in 2007. I didn't copy. It's a product of my own imagination."

"It's just coincidental since I want to do something that has an illusion of levitating... Parang nakalutang. Nakaangat na buhok lang ang nakasayad," he added.

"Honestly ngayon ko lang nakita ang work ng artist na nire-refer mo na kinopyahan ko. Hindi sila parehas ng concept. Medyo same pose lang," Cacnio further explained.

The post has garnered more than 500 likes, over 300 shares and more than 60 comments as of posting time.

The netizen who speculated on the similarities of the installations, said she has "no intention to ruin the artist's credibility."

"I was pointing out the uncanny resemblance between the two," said the netizen. "I have no intention of dragging your name through the mud. If this has offended you, then I am quite sorry. But since you claim that you didn't commit art theft then we wouldn't have to worry about anything." —ALG, GMA News