Pamilya - June 12th, 1898, in memory of Philippine Independence which was declared after 300 years of Spanish rule on this day

Based on the word “family” in Tagalog, Pamilya speaks to the experience of sharing stories, histories, and even a meal among loved ones across great distances. The artist recorded interviews with her family members in the Philippines and California. Their voices, a projected video of homecooked dishes, and memories of time spent together animate an otherwise vacant table. In this version of Pamilya, the viewer is invited to sit as disembodied family members discuss topics around colonization, Filipino culture, and Spanish influence on an endless loop.

Materials: Paper pulp casts, found objects, wood, and video projection

Dimensions: 3 ft x 5 ft x 3 ft

Date: 2022

Videographer: Nicolei Buendia Gupit

Exhibited in: Ann Arbor Art Center