Art As Activism, What does Freedom Mean for the Filipino Artist Today?
WORDS CRAFTED + ARTIST CURATION BY JY JIMMIE FLORA GABIOLA
YA'KUB IRA | JEROME NOVERAS | FRANCESCA MATEO | JENN BAN |
YA'KUB IRA | JEROME NOVERAS | FRANCESCA MATEO | JENN BAN |
✪ “I Stand with Palestine” Dallas, Texas 01/21/2024 by Ya’kub Ira
In the pursuit of artistic expression as a form of activism, we turn our focus to the potent role art plays in shaping societal narratives and challenging injustices.
Art has long served as a mirror and a catalyst, reflecting realities and provoking action. This is vividly seen in the historical backdrop of the Philippines. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1521, the group of islands we now call Philippines was home to many, diverse ethnolinguistic groups long before the Spanish-American war in 1898. A nation whose journey from 1898 to 1946 was marked by colonial struggles and the quest for sovereignty. The Philippines’ Independence Day, observed annually on June 12, not only commemorates the end of Spanish rule in 1898 but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for freedom and self-determination.
By highlighting Filipino artists from the diaspora who engage with themes of freedom, resistance, and cultural identity, we create a platform for dialogue and solidarity.
In this initiative, we invite artists to reflect on what freedom means to them in the context of both historical and contemporary struggles. We aim to showcase how their artistic practices contribute to the broader discourse of liberation, highlight their involvement in relevant projects, and underscore the impact of creative endeavors in activism.
Join us in this exploration of freedom, resistance, and the power of art to inspire change, as we stand in allyship with all oppressed communities.
About the 2024 Be Free Festival
The Be Free Festival in San Francisco's SOMA Pilipinas district is an annual celebration that showcases the vibrant Filipino culture. 12 venues to eat, drink, dance, shop, learn, connect & explore. Each of these locations will feature different activities and entertainment, from traditional music and dance performances, contemporary art galleries to Filipino food tastings and cultural exhibitions.
Adding to the celebration will be modern Filipino American music and DJs, adding an exciting twist. SOMA Pilipinas' lively atmosphere makes this a great opportunity for the Filipino community and their friends to celebrate their culture and heritage.
Spotlighting Artists throughout the diasporas on what their thoughts on Freedom.
YA’KUB IRA
“Discipline is freedom. In a world in which we are subjected to distractions and submission to our carnal desires; we find ourselves enslaved by the very own ‘masters’ in which we believe we are free from. The conquest of the nations, the colonization and oppression of the people can be determined from its root cause as the reprehensible acquisitiveness insatiable to desire for more. Absent of content. To be content is to be discipline. And to be discipline is to be free.
”
Ya’kub Ira is a Philippine born and raised Artist disciplined in different medium of artistry. As an educator, he has been teaching the culmination of Martial Arts that he has put together for 15 years now. His recent contribution to the community was to work with the new Graphic Novel: DASIG serving the team as the Weapon/History Specialist as well the Fight Choreographer for the book. A known ambassador in Baybayin, he had collaborated with several known Community Members in the Diaspora such as Bayani Art, Kristian Kabuay, Derobio Eskrima, and was Dr. E.J.R. David’s teacher in Baybayin during the revision of his book Brown Skin/White Minds Filipino-/American Postcolonial Psychology. He had led Baybayin workshops in the United States including in the prestige school of Stanford University. He had recently dedicated his time and efforts as a Photo Journalist to cover the plight of Palestine in America and will continue to do so until the people of Palestine are liberated and free.
Follow his journey, @yaakub_ira
jenn ban
“Freedom to me is remembering who we are. Recognize that our mere existence is a form of freedom - from our thoughts, actions, inaction, and everything in between. That the freedom we often yearn for is one that we hold within. ”
Jenn Ban (she/they) is a Queer second-generation Filipinx-American Multidisciplinary Artist, Reiki Master-level Practitioner and Teacher, Tattoo Artist with Sacred Skin Adornments, co-founder of Bituin Studio, and community organizer. Jenn works with various mediums from the human body, painting, soft-sculptures, film, mural-painting, soundscapes, and more. Their work explores the themes of soul-transcendence, cultural identity, and the natural world.
follow her journey, @jenn.ban | @sacredskinadornments
JEROME NOVERAS
“Freedom to me is a state of mind as much as it is a state of being, outside of the social constructs and norms. Freedom is the choice to pick your own path and live by your own set of rules. ”
Jerome is a Filipino-American multidisciplinary artist from San Francisco, with a focus on a contemporary take on ancestral body markings from the Philippine islands. Jerome also is an avid painter and expresses his upbringing and influences in his work. From the graffiti that covered San Francisco, to the art and culture he experienced during his time living in the Philippines.
Follow his journey, @jeromenoveras | jeromenoveras.com
CHICHAI AKA FRANCESCA MATEO
“Freedom is to live fear-free from violence, systemic roadblocks, prejudice… Freedom allows our land protectors to LEAD + collaborate, not spoken to with empty land acknowledgements Freedom cannot be gained by inflicting harm on someone else’s freedom. Rather, it is understanding that real freedom helps flourish the freedom of others. In the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” Our freedom is intertwined. From Palestine to the Philippines, Stop the US War Machine.”
ChiChai heals Pinay roots from its history of colonial oppressions through her artwork. Being raised by nourishing yet firm and powerful women, her illustrations depict elements of nature as women spirits. Through fashion design, murals and mixed media, ChiChai aims to honor indigenous craftsmanship, the matriarch that has raised her, and Mama Earth.
follow her journey, @chichai.intheair | chi-chai.co
By highlighting Filipino artists from the diaspora who engage with themes of freedom, resistance, and cultural identity, we create a platform for dialogue and solidarity.
Featuring artists :
Saint @thankyousaint | Jenn Ban @jenn.ban | Jerome Noveras @jeromenoveras | Chi Chai @chichai.intheair | Bangka Journey @baliksadagatbangkajourney | Kristian Kabuhay @kristian.kabuay | Julia Solano @makingtangible | Kali Canedo @k.m.canedo | David San Miguel @dogvilled | Gabriel Rocamora @baklasama | Nic Elisa Hampton @nichampton | Jean Teodoro @jtlusong | Jy Jimmie Gabiola @jimmie.flora | Papatson Suphavai @spapatsons | Amanda Messina Gerodias @earth.signed | Rinna San Gabriel @okay_inamae | Chelsea Marlayne Macalino-Calalay @hyphywyphy |Iggy Mora @sticky.tender | Ian Ibalong @tisoyceramics | Josh Martinez @jdotmartinez | Shua Bartolome @shuabartolome
and more
This Saturday, June 8th BITUIN STUDIO hosting their 1st group art exhibition “Araw ng Kalayaan,” exploring Filipino/a/x liberation, resistance, resilience and reclamation of freedom.
Exploring narratives through sculpture, paint, photography, film, performance art and more.
In partnership with @kultivatelabs “Be Free” Festival,
Tour the Be Free Festival with the Mahal Jeepney
☆ June 8 (12-6pm)
☆ 3rd Mahal Jeepney Stop
☆ 445 Natoma St.
Featuring artists:
Ramon Abad @when.do.we.eat | Nicki Aquino @when.do.we.eat | Kristian Kabuay @kristian.kabuay | Mabuhay Gardens @_mabuhaygardens_ | Matthew Edgardo Davis @matthew.e.davis | Diwa Malaya @diwamalaya
WELCOME TO OUR STUDIOS
Balay Open Studios at Be Free Festival
Sat, 6/8/24 from 12p-5:30p
863 Mission St @ 5th St
In SOMA Pilipinas
Balay Kreative's Open Studios showcases a wide array of resident artists and creatives from multiple disciplines. Step into their working environments for a glimpse into their artistic methods and creative processes. Their work, which blends culture, creativity, and liberation, sparks inspiration and imagination within the community. Interested in joining our Balay Kreative community? This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about our team, space, and Kreative Growth program.
The Open Studios event offers a carefully curated experience, featuring an interactive photobooth, Kreative Growth Info Session, creative workshops among other activations.
