These small works are part of a series that involve elements of printed pictures of my face. I call this series “Self-works.”
Golden Hour. Thread through print, 2020 / 6.5” in x 6.5” in
The photos of my face used here are from 2018-2019. Some are left-over cut photos that I used from past works. I included a short video showing a portfolio of my photos that I’ve printed out. I chose to use these photos which were taken before the pandemic lockdown, and re-appropriate them to reflect my current psychological state brought about by the sudden changes in my daily life in these difficult times.
Cut a deep track in my mind. Collage, 2020 / 7.5” in x 10” in
White on black. Thread through print, 2020 /6” in x 4” in
The repetitive slices, cuts, and puncturing stitches are a metaphor for self-examination and reconfiguration. I also included the thread not just as a formal element but as a symbolic material in the three works.
The lockdown has forced me, again, to look inward and reflect.
Cut a deep track in my mind. Collage, 2020 / 7.5” in x 10” in
My only workspace right now occupies the half part of a shared bedroom with my sister, since I’m still living with my parents and small siblings. It is messy most of the time, especially during production. But every time a major work is finished, I always clean the space and re-organize the materials again. The space is small and intimate and because of this, I tend to just work with one piece at a time. Despite this, I like that I am working near the windows which is a source of natural light during the day. The view of the trees and clouds outside, in front of the windows, is calming too.
One thing is, for now, I cannot work outside of this space. I have to be here to be able to work. Any art-related work outside of this space is mostly comprised of abstract ideations and planning on what to do next for future works. (B. Fajilagutan)