KINGSTON ARTS COUNCIL: THE POCKET GALLERY
RETROGRADE 2025
BAYANI CATAPANG ART EXHIBITION
Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
Unit 115-370 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 2X4
From childhood experiences in the Philippines to formative years in British Columbia, Bayani weaves together influences of land, ancestry, and family, creating compositions that honour both tradition and transformation.
Each set carries forward a story: the rice fields of Luzon, the Philippine Eagle, the resilience of women in his family, and the enduring spirits of folklore.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Set #1: Healing
This set references Bayani’s home province, British Columbia, where Pacific Northwest Art is proudly celebrated and showcased to the public. Bayani completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC where he was surrounded by world-class Canadian Aboriginal art. This set is dedicated to Bayani’s therapist, Mme. St. Louis, who helped him unpack his life during the pandemic. The set highlights the importance of feeling and processing pain, in order to heal.
Set #2: King
This set references Bayani’s childhood in the mountain provinces of central Luzon, the northern landmass of the Philippines. The Philippine Eagle - endemic to eastern Luzon, Leyte, Mindanao, and Samar - is the national bird of the Philippines. Seeing the Philippine Eagle soaring in the sky remains a powerful childhood memory of Bayani. As one of the largest and rarest eagles in the world, it is recognized for its distinctive appearance and is a symbol of the Filipino spirit of resilience.
Set #3: Holy
This set references Bayani’s family, both maternal and paternal, and their commitment to honouring their heritage and fostering humility. Bayani’s grandparents provided for their families by living off the land and through the cultivation of rice fields - an essential resource for Filipino people. Before the arrival of the Spaniards and Christianity, regional deities were worshipped religiously. The “Bulul” is the guardian of rice crops and is deeply embedded in the spiritual and cultural lives of the tribal communities of Luzon.
Set #4: Peace
This set references Bayani’s early memories of planting rice with his family in the Philippines. The carabao - the national animal of the Philippines - plays a significant role in the lives of Filipino farmers. The carabao is a type of water buffalo that is widely recognized for symbolizing hard work, strength, and perseverance, traits deeply valued in Filipino culture. Before immigrating to Canada, Bayani spent his childhood summers planting rice with his family where he saw carabaos regularly.
Set #5: Maskara
This set references Bayani’s childhood in the mountain provinces, where pre-colonial beliefs remained widespread despite the predominance of Christianity. The Philippines has a complex religious landscape where Christianity and folklore coexist. Even today, tales of local “demons” or “spirits” are celebrated as an essential facet of provincial life. Like the diversity of local deities, there is also a large roster of regional demons and spirits that continue to shape the imaginations of Filipino children throughout the country.
Set #6: Strength
This set is dedicated to Bayani’s mother and two sisters. His mother is represented by the square - a nod to her unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. His first sister is represented by the triangle - for her limitless capacity for change and constant improvement. His second sister is represented by the circle - for her stabilizing effect on our family. As a secondary layer, all nine compositions are deconstructed representations of the colour wheel, highlighting the colours of the rainbow and their complimentary colours.