FRAGMENTS OF
LA FILIPINA
Artist Message
I painted La Filipina while exploring part of our history I had yet to discover. Learning about the Manila Galleon Trade made me think about how the past continues to shape who we are, often in ways we don't even realize.
I think about the things we inherit without choosing — the traditions we grow up with, the values we hold, and the pieces of our identity that become part of us over time.
Through La Filipina, I wanted to explore what it means to be shaped by a past we never lived through, yet somehow carry with us, because understanding who we are sometimes begins with looking at what came before us.
THE FAN
The fan recalls the Filipiniana aesthetic and the cultural influences of the colonial period. Held close to her face, it also creates a sense of mystery and concealment.
THE MANILA GALLEON TRADE
The galleon represents the Manila Galleon Trade, a historic trade route connecting the Philippines and Mexico across pacific. Its presence reflects how trade brought not only goods, but also cultural exchange and foreign influence that became part of Philippine history.
THE GARITA
The Garita, or sentry box, represents the Spanish colonial presence and the fortified landscape of Manila. Its inclusion recalls the structures that formed part of the defensive walls and entrances of Intramuros, connecting the figure to the physical traces of the colonial period.
THE COINS - "Las Filipinas"
The coin fragments reference the currency and imagery associated with the colonial period. Their faded and reflective appearance suggest fragments of history- sometimes visible, sometimes overlooked, but still present.
THE REACHING HAND
Her hand reaches toward the fragments surrounding her. It represents the act of looking back, discovering, and reconnecting with a history that may have once been unfamiliar.