I had a solo show at Antioch University in 2008 entitled, “sojourn: an imagined homeland.” (Yeah, the bell hooks thing.) This series is somehow related, an extension, or perhaps a rhyme of that show in a more specific way. Capiz. Often seen as handicrafts from an earthy world store, I grew up with my father telling me how they were used in place of glass for windowpanes in homes. They are a semi translucent clam shell that lets light pass through.

Capiz is also the area my ancestral family name comes from on the island of Panay. There is the province of Capiz, and before it was renamed for a Philippine president, Roxas City was called Capiz. When I visited the city and met with relatives, they were sure to took me to a small factory/workshop. During this visit, I also got to know more about how deep visual arts go in my lineage. Pretty amazing to walk into the city museum and see a sign for the “Ardeña Collection.” Let’s see how it comes along.