"Traje de Mestiza"
Acrylic on Banana Stalk Fiber
24 x 38 inches

Traje de Mestiza is a powerful reimagining of the iconic Filipino mestiza dress, blending history, identity, and materiality in a bold, contemporary work. Created with acrylics on banana stalk fiber, the piece explores the textured, organic qualities of the medium while using vivid color and dynamic composition to evoke both the elegance and complexity of the traje de mestiza, a traditional garment that symbolizes the hybridization of Filipino and Spanish heritage. The 24 x 38-inch format offers a large-scale, immersive space for the artist to capture the intricate layers of cultural history and personal narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on the blending of indigenous and colonial influences that have shaped Filipino identity.

The banana stalk fiber’s natural texture adds depth and tactile richness to the work, enhancing the interplay between surface and paint. The use of acrylics infuses the piece with a modern energy, while the subject matter draws on deeply rooted cultural traditions. Through Traje de Mestiza, the artist celebrates the complexities of heritage, the evolving narrative of Filipino identity, and the continued relevance of traditional forms in contemporary art.