DIFFERENCE and DEFERENCE

Abstract

For this exhibit, the artists sought to reference some examples of Northern Luzon Cordillera material culture in their contemporary articulations of lowland folk crafts that they have grown up with and have been pursuing in their art practices. In particular, these crafts are repoussé (embossed metal) for Carvajal and embroidery for Medrano. Though they were initially inspired by Catholic sacramentals and Filipiniana needlework, respectively, now that their cultural milieu has changed, they deem their art can respond accordingly. Carvajal sees Cordillera tattoo and textile motifs as texts, and as such, they can be “verbalized” and transmitted through other means. By adopting some of these motifs to repoussé works, new meanings and readings can surface. Meanwhile, through embroidered paintings, Medrano depicts Igorots wearing traditional Cordilleran adornments alongside contemporary clothing, emphasizing that they are cultural bearers integrated with the rest of Philippine society.