Memory Room
Nica Aquino
Interactive altar installation: mixed media, textile, natural materials, 35 mm photos and video.
Since 2016, Nica Aquino creates mixed media altar
installations & textiles that examine loss & memory as an
Ilokana in the US diaspora. Her last mixed media altar
installation in 2017, titled ‘Saan Kayo Nga Nalipatan (You Are
Not Forgotten)’ addressed the extrajudicial killings happening
in the Philippines, ordered by Rodrigo Duturte, elected
president of the islands in 2016. Through this altar
installation, Nica mourns her Manong (older brother), who was a
victim of the killings, and calls attention to the lives taken
by this violation of human rights.
‘Memory Room’ provides a meditative atmosphere, where
visitors can reflect & pray, as they contribute personal items
&/or letters & notes written on paper boats, that will be
attached to a river-like handmade textile based altar. Nica is
of Ilokano descent; Ilokano means ‘people from the coastal or
riverine lowlands.’ Creating a body of water is significant in
representing her origins as an Ilokana & the large bodies of
water Ilokanos are known for residing by. As the boats flow down
the river, their messages descend into the spirit world,
reaching passed loved ones & honoring the memories of our
ancestors.
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 13, 7-10 PM
Exhibition Dates: October 13 through November 3, 2018
Light refreshments will be served.