Ivi Avellana-Cosio at Origins & Translations

Taking part in the Origins &Translations exhibit is Philippine artist Ivi Avellana-Cosio.   As painter, printmaker and photographer, the artist started dabbling in indigenous forms in the mid-1980s. 

Describing her works as contemporary paintings based on tribal art, Avellana-Cosio bridges past, present and future to create them.  “The works are inspired heavily by the tribes: their patterns, tattoos, colors, breastwork, jewelry, weapons, shoes, etc., but, because I live in contemporary times, when I use them, they become contemporary,” says the artist. 

Of the country’s local history, she says, “The material is rich. This exhibit barely skims the surface of Filipino ethnic art.”  Asked how the country can develop global interest in local art, Avellana-Cosio replies, “I don’t know what the stand of government is.  I think they prefer bringing people in to the beaches, or do medical tourism. I don’t seem to read anything about culture.”