BALAY KREATIVE AT KQED

Balay Kreative Studios is a vibrant Filipino American Art Studio located in San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas Cultural District. The organization draws its name from the word balay, meaning “home” in several dialects (Cebuano, Ilocano, and Waray-Waray) originating in the Philippines. Through the work of three Filipina American artists (Veecaps, ChiChai & Cristine Blanco) this exhibit explores the complex emotions, histories, and relationships that shape both the Filipino diaspora at large and the Filipino American experience in the Bay Area. The artworks poignantly reflect the search for identity, belonging, and cultural preservation in a foreign land, while simultaneously paying homage to the resilient spirit of the Filipino community.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Cristine Blanco

An interdisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, and installation. Her artistic practice focuses on environmental injustices, the precarious nature of resources, and the familial story as her starting point. Through labor-intensive processes, Blanco investigates the inherent tensions and care within these themes, often referencing lineage and life cycles as a metaphor for larger cosmic narratives.

Currently living on Ohlone lands, Blanco was born and raised in the Bay Area by immigrant parents. She holds a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.F.A. in Studio Art from Mills College. Her dedication to the arts has earned her several awards, including the Murphy Cadogan and California Arts Council Individual Fellowship. Blanco's work has been showcased at numerous esteemed institutions, such as the Berkeley Art Center, SF Arts Commission’s Main Gallery, Alternative Space LOOP in Seoul, Korea, Root Division, /slash, and SOMArts Cultural Center.

Through my art, I evoke a sense of belonging and nostalgia while honoring the beauty and resilience inherent in Filipino culture. In the "Home & Garden" series, I draw upon my memories of growing up in the Bay Area, finding inspiration in the everyday – from family get-togethers to commonplace objects, as well as the cultural fruits and flora that adorn the homes of my family and friends. Each panel captures familiar scenes, ranging from lush gardens to vibrant tabletops. Through these graphical still lifes, I construct a visual language that not only celebrates the richness of collective spaces but also delves into the intricacies of our shared experiences.

Vivian Capulong

Vivian Capulong, also recognized as VeeCaps, is a visual artist based in San Francisco. Born and raised in the Bay Area, her artistic journey is deeply influenced by her nostalgic upbringing and Filipino American heritage. Her work predominantly features acrylic paint, where she crafts colorful and vibrant portraits and scenery, influenced by semi-realism, animation, and classical art. VeeCap’s artistic vision is rooted in her desire to transform defining moments and life experiences into hopeful and uplifting art.

In addition to her studio work, VeeCaps has shared her artwork publicly through creating murals throughout the Bay Area and showcasing her pieces at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MOMA). Balancing her artistic pursuits, Vivian is also a UX designer. This dual expertise allows her to merge artistic creativity with technical precision, creating intuitive and engaging experiences.

My artwork is a vivid exploration of color and form, designed to capture the viewer's imagination and evoke a sense of joy and wonder. Each piece reflects personal narratives and cultural stories, offering a window into my life and the lives of those around me. Through my work, I aim to celebrate the grace of adversity and the power of resilience.

Chichai Mateo

ChiChai (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and community-gatherer born and raised in Occupied Ohlone Land, also known as the San Francisco Bay Area.
Whether teaching or creating, ChiChai's work is intersectional in its roots to nature, feminism, and the dismantling of colonial mindsets. You can catch her teaching art and how to use art as a tool for decolonizing to youth and adults.

ChiChai received her MA in International Studies from University of San Francisco (2016), in which she was awarded Most Original Thesis for her master's thesis "Challenging Filipino Colonial Mentality through Philippine Art." She has taught youth to seniors for various nonprofits and organizations throughout the Bay Area, including Destiny Arts, Galing Bata, and Youth Art Exchange.