Nonnostalgia excavates and destroys history at the same time. Drawing from photographic archives of the US colonization of the Philippines housed at the University of Michigan, 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 US history education. It asks audiences to reckon with the US as both a historic and contemporary imperial power.

Medium: 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