Rituals
ROOTS & ECHOES: Stories Across the Diaspora
(In collaboration with _OfColor and curated by Kyla Gaganam)
ANAK
(8x10 image on 11x14 paper)
Archival Pigment Print
Anak, in Tagalog, is a gender neutral term of endearment for a child. Anak was also the title of a popular song released in 1978 by Filipino folk-singer Freddie Aguilar. The song speaks of the complex relationship between parent and child. It tells a story of a child who leaves home, becomes estranged from their family but eventually comes back home to open arms and unwavering love from their parents.
SPLIT
(8x10 image on 11x14 paper)
Archival Pigment Print
Country divided
My own identity torn
Searching for a home
HOME
(16x20 image on 18x24 paper)
Archival Pigment Print
The (Myth) of the American Dream. Attainable by some… not by most.
MURPHY USA
(8X10 image on 11x14 paper)
Archival Pigment Print
Symbolism from seemingly common objects and situations. A discarded styrofoam cup… or a metaphor for a broken America… or a representation of breaking through societal and cultural constraints.
JJ
(8X10 image on 11x14 paper)
Archival Pigment Print
“Joseph Jan Emmanuel Adversario Mayang
Joseph, Jojo, Emmanuel
JAM
All facets of my story meshed together
Yet
Somehow distinct identities
JJ Mayang is one in particular
The tenth letter of the alphabet times two
But on a deeper level
The origin of embracing who I am meant to be
I was a victim of letting people put a definition to me
Trapped in this mirage of limiting beliefs
Somehow never having the courage to let go of outside validation
That unknowingly was tantalizing
JJ came up to me one day
Encouraging me to write a new narrative
“Witty, Creative, and Wellbeing”
“Huh? Is that a grocery list?”
“No cuz you already have it at home.”
“Uhh where?”
“It’s in the back of the fridge”.
You’ve had it for a while
But all you serve are snacks that others lack
They’re good but they’re not all you have
Give those tucked at the back some love as well.
Don’t let em go to waste.”
Haha
That’s what my parents always say
Don’t let anything go to waste”
~ JJ