NEW BEGINNINGS: PHILIPPINE PHOTOGRAPHIC ART

The Philippines – an archipelago of over 7,000 islands and more than 130 languages – is a nation shaped by many voices and identities. This cultural, social, and geographic diversity intricately informs the country’s contemporary photographic practices, which are constantly evolving – fluid in form, meaning, and message.

Rooted in a complex colonial history and shaped by stark social contradictions, Philippine photographic art often indexes moments of transformation and resilience. Through experimental portraits, installations, and compelling documentary styles, the exhibited works by Nana Buxani, Xyza Cruz Bacani, Tommy Hafalla, Gina Osterloh, Wawi Navarroza, Augustine Paredes, Veejay Villafranca and MM Yu foreground emerging subjectivities, lived realities, and cultural processes. 

In light of visual culture throughout the Southeast Asian archipelago the artists explore a range of interests such as identity, migrant labour, spirituality, memory, the concept of home, environment, and the lives of indigenous communities. All these shed vital light on both deeply personal narratives and broader social reflections giving insight into a region of dynamic talents which until now have been underrepresented in the European scene.

New Beginnings: Philippine Photographic Art is curated by Patrick Flores, Andrea Horvay, and Celina Lunsford.