Pacita Abad's Immigrant Experience Series Showcased in Bristol Exhibition
The exhibition 'Life in the Margins' by Pacita Abad is on display at Spike Island in Bristol from January 18 to April 5, 2020. It features her series 'Immigrant Experience' (1991–94), which consists of large quilted canvases created using the 'trapunto' technique, illustrating the struggles and hopes of immigrants. Abad, a Philippine artist who escaped the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s, was influenced by various cultural traditions worldwide. Her works, characterized by vibrant surfaces and a mix of materials, include significant pieces like 'Liquid Experience' (1985) and 'L.A. Liberty' (1992), reflecting her identity as a 'woman of color'. The documentary 'Wild at Art' (1995) chronicles her detention in Hawaii, shaping her focus on immigrant narratives.
Key facts
- Pacita Abad's exhibition 'Life in the Margins' was held at Spike Island in Bristol from 18 January to 5 April 2020.
- The 'Immigrant Experience' series (1991–94) uses the trapunto technique on large quilted canvases hung from the ceiling.
- Abad drew inspiration from traditions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, incorporating batik, macramé, and ink drawing.
- She fled Ferdinand Marcos's dictatorship in the 1970s and was influenced by the San Francisco counterculture scene.
- Abad created public artworks like the 2004 covering of Singapore's Alkaff Bridge and decorated dresses and dinner sets.
- Recent interest in fibre art has led to major museum acquisitions, a survey in Manila, and inclusion in international art fairs for her work.
- In 'L.A. Liberty' (1992), a brown-skinned Statue of Liberty represents her identity as a 'woman of color'.
- The documentary 'Wild at Art' (1995) details her detention in Hawaii, which sparked her focus on immigrant experiences.
Entities
Artists
- Pacita Abad
- Ferdinand Marcos
Institutions
- Spike Island
- ArtReview
Locations
- Bristol
- United Kingdom
- Philippines
- Hawaii
- United States
- Washington, DC
- Cambodia
- Korea
- Asia
- Africa
- Latin America
- Manila
- Singapore
- San Francisco