Dulang

Inspired by the results of colonization, immigration and assimilation, performance installation dulang, explores the unstable and fluid identity of what it means to be a second generation Filipino living in a society that classifies Asians based on cultural stereotypes. Through the strong Filipino tradition of family meals or sharing a boodle fight, performance installation dulang contrasts the North American bowls situated in front of banana leaves signifying the backseat that most immigrating cultures feel when attempting to “fit in.” dulang also smells strongly of fish sauce - a cultural ingredient used in many asian dishes - allows viewers from similar cultures to connect with the piece. The piece gives smelly experience that is often followed by feelings of discomfort and even disgust, ultimately further displacing the piece itself. The canvas emulates a dining table but flipped on its side representing the feeling of cultural disorientation displaced peoples would feel when moving to a new country. Overtime, the piece changes from a hopeful bright vibrant yellow to a dark confused brown. dulang aims to connect with (filipino) diaspora in understanding their own mixed identity and place within North American society.