(De)Valued Existence

In the shadows of Philippine history where narratives often lay obscured, (De)Valued Existence, emerges as an artistic exploration of the impact of colonialism and capital accumulation on human lives. This work delves into the poignant theme of human disposability within the grasp of capitalism. It examines the intricate value systems governing gendered labor, spanning from the hidden heroines of the Philippine revolution to the marginalized labor of migrant workers.

At the core of this exhibition lie the weathered Dasters, carefully collected over two years from friends and family. A Daster, with its loose floral or tribal print, embodies the essence of domestic labor, traditionally donned by women as they fulfilled their daily tasks. These dresses have undergone a transformative journey, dyed in the rich hue of indigofera, an indigenous Philippine plant. This act connects me to a precolonial era when women, regardless of gender identity, played pivotal roles within their communities. Ancestral stories of indigo leaves as forms of protection and healing are visually represented in the names painted with indigo dye pigment and embroidered in red yarn, paying tribute to the forgotten women who faced colonial eras and contemporary domestic challenges.

(De)Valued Existence narrates the stories of fearless individuals who ignited resistance against their oppressors. From Gabriela Silang's courage in leading a revolt against Spanish colonizers to Teresa Magbanua's involvement in three resistance movements, and Nieves Fernandez's tenacity as a guerilla leader during Japanese occupation, these narratives resonate with the fabric of our collective history.

The exhibition juxtaposes these historical accounts with framed embroidered stories of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), connecting colonial histories of labor and displacement to the present. Drawn from stories shared by friends, family, and the Filipino community, these works reflect the sacrifices, resilience, and hardships of those who leave home in search of economic opportunity. Through embroidery, personal experiences of migration, separation, and precarious labor become intimate records, revealing the enduring conditions that make Filipino labor essential yet often undervalued.

IG: @dianewilliamsartist