SINO AKO (WHO I AM)
Sino Ako (Who I Am) was an exhibit held in Hong Kong in March 2016 at the French International School in fulfillment of my International Baccalaureate diploma.
Every piece in this exhibit explore a different facet of Philippine culture that informed my upbringing from the values of family, to income inequality to the influence of religious institutions.
Pader Lang Ang Pagitan
35” x 55” • Acrylic on Cardboard & Foil
Inspired by the colorful village scenes of Manuel Baldemor, I wanted to expose the deep-rooted income inequalities widespread in the Philippines. Using jagged shards of cardboard and glimmering tin foil, this piece reveals how what divides the rich and the poor can be just a simple wall.
Kain Na! (Let’s Eat!)
24” x 144” • Acrylic on Canvas
A “boodle” is a unique community dining experience where delicacies are spread across a large string of banana leaves, shared and eaten with your hands! This tryptich represents the vibrancy of Philippine cuisine through my favorite recipes and its vital place as the anchor of the Filipino family.
Heto Na Si Cristo (Here Comes Christ)
21” x 7” x 1.5” • Acrylic, Image Transfer & Gold Leaf on Wood Board
Using native wood from the north of the country, these panels depict the historical struggles between the Spanish colonizers and local tribes. The top half of the panels are inspired by symbols of fertility, vitality and prosperity from the Ifugao tribes. The bottom half is an image transfer of Catholic icons surrounded by gold leaf, symbolizing the continuing encroachment of colonial values in the country.
“The Filipino is worth dying for”
Ninoy
16.5” x 12” • Chalk Pastel & Ink Market on Paper
Inspired by master penman Jake Wiedmann’s use of words as art, I wanted to use the famous words of national martyr Ninoy Aquino, “The Filipino is worth dying for” to embody the importance of the statement not only in Philippine history but to highlight its continued resonance today.
Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow)
78” x 21” x 21” • Marker on hanging Capiz Shell Lamp
Capiz are indigenous oyster shells used for decorations and handicraft in the Philippines. I wanted to showcase the marriage of traditional and modern values in the creation of this lamp using over 1,000 individually-designed round capiz shells. Inspired by the geometric designs of Arturo Luz, this functional piece of home decor showcases how innovation and modernity can be seamlessly integrated with local tradition.
Bagong Bayani (New Heroes)
36” x 24” • Photography
Inspired by the portraits of photographer Martin Schoeller, this piece provides an insight into those who are dubbed the “modern day heroes” of the Philippines: Overseas Filipino Workers. Taken in the streets of Hong Kong and overlaid with the Philippine map, each photo provides a brief glimpse into the hundreds of individuals who have gone abroad to provide for families back home while supporting a large portion of the national economy.