Filipino artists challenging stereotypes and showcasing talents at new exhibit

Six up-and-coming Filipino artists are getting the chance to display their work at an exhibit in downtown Calgary this month.

The exhibit, called Malaya, which means freedom, showcases more than 20 art pieces by six artists: Day Pajarillo, Audere Santos, Thea Galang, Ryle Ramirez, Gladzy Kei and the Filipinx Kasaganaan Artist Collective of Calgary. 

They feature artworks across styles and genres expressing their ideas of freedom.

"Not only does it jump-start my art career, but it really connects back to my roots," said Thea Galang, the youngest of the group, who is just leaving high school.

"I've always felt so disconnected with my Filipino heritage. But since I was accepted here, it just cements the fact that I should be proud of who I am," said Galang, who describes herself as a multimedia artist.

Galang says she references Filipino culture in her works, including batok tattoo symbols. 

The Philippine Consulate General, located at 1001 First St. S.E., is hosting the exhibit for the whole month of June.

Artist Ryle Ramirez says the exhibit shows another side to Filipinos in Calgary.

"We have been overlooked for so long and we need our words to spread to everyone," said Ramirez.

Ramirez started drawing cartoons and doodles that comment on society. He says that when he arrived in Canada in 2015, he was able to access free art classes.

"I was like, 'There's art classes that are free and I can use everything. Really?' So this is what happens, this is what Canada did to me," said Ramirez, who says he likes to express emotion, struggles and feelings deep below the surface.

Zaldy Patron, the consul general for the Philippines in Calgary, says the exhibit shows a different side to Filipino newcomers.

"It's important that Canadians, our host country, see a different aspect of Filipinos. We're not only here as temporary foreign workers. We're also businessmen, investors, we create jobs and income. At the same time, we are also artists," said Patron.

The exhibit is part of the Philippine Consulate General celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Philippine Independence as well as Filipino Heritage Month in April this June.