Nonnostalgia
2021 | San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles | USA
Materials: Handmade paper (abaca, Philippine gampi, muslin, cogon grass, dried banana leaves), charcoal, Conte crayon, India ink, image transfer on canvas
Dimensions: 4 ft x 6 ft
Date: 2021
Exhibited in: San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
Nonnostalgia excavates and destroys history at the same time. Drawing from photographic archives of the U.S. colonization of the Philippines, Nonnostalgia includes images of the flora and built environment of a colonized landscape. Using vegetable adhesives and a power sander, handmade paper layers are built up and then effaced. The work challenges viewers to reflect on the dark, violent, and exoticizing nature of colonial rule that is not taught in U.S. history education. It asks audiences to reckon with the U.S. as both a historic and contemporary imperial power.