29/05/2023
"I. Am. Here: Seen & Not Seen" is a collection of works by the Senior High students of the Philippine High School for the Arts.
This exhibit aims to resist the prejudice we face and the notions that define us as adolescents, as daughters and sons, as q***r youth, and as art scholars. We re-collect and unravel our personal histories to explore and deconstruct hierarchies, ideologies, and concepts that have revolved around us, molding us, and urging us to the creation of the works we now exhibit.
To see, to unravel, to pay attention— this is our endless and proper work. To make our presence known, to confront fragments of our interpersonal narratives and transform them into the pigments that make up our art. Through our personal encounters with our represented groups, we form connections with our chosen communities.
Above all else, we see our presence as vital in breaking cycles of trauma, conformity, and institution. Through the unraveling of these shared narratives, we as artists reaffirm our presence each depicting the visuals of our stories — seen and unseen.
Catch the exhibit at the Parola U.P. Fine Arts Gallery at UP Diliman from June 6 to June 10. The opening reception will be on June 6 at 4 pm!