Tabanog. Graphite on paper, 12" x 16", 2024. Salubong Group Show at The Grey Space Gallery.
The exhibit's concept revolves around 'salubong', which means an encounter or meeting, and 'pasalubong', the Filipino tradition of travelers bringing gifts from their journeys to people back home. From this theme, I juxtaposed the 'tabanog' (paper plane) and the 'sukajan' (souvenir jacket) as my main subjects.
The sukajan is an outerwear dating back to the end of World War II. It was inspired by American varsity jackets worn by soldiers at that time. This fashion trend was then adapted by the Japanese, who incorporated embroidery, silk, and Japanese tattoo influences, resulting in a blend of Japanese and American cultures. I relate this to how pasalubong and the travel tales shared with me by my parents (who worked overseas in America and Japan) have influenced and shaped my current identity.