Mailiw by Ally Gonzalo

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About

My installation is a 3-dimensional representation of the flag of the Philippines in it's symbolic colors and quantities. Called "Mailiw" which is Pangasinan for homesick, it is a tribute to my fellow Filipino/a/x immigrants who desire to go back to our motherland but can't do so for many reasons, most of the times being tied to money or lack thereof.

The photos displayed are from the 3 years preceding my immigration to Treaty 1 Territory in the summer on 2016, at the age of 22. Now pushing into the 3rd decade of my life, my idea and perception of home has now become more nuanced and emotions-based. On the walls of the installation are the lyrics to "Lupang Hinirang" , the national anthem of the Philippines written in Baybayin, one of the precolonial scripts from back home. I challenged myself to do this because I want to learn to write in Baybayin and also memorize my national anthem, vowing to never forget it again.

I hope this installation speaks to those who feel homesick, lost, or looking for something for their own reasons and purposes. Maraming salamat po.

*The installation will be near the intersection of Albert and McDermot, close to Shawarma Khan!*

Links

• My Patreon Page patreon.com

Organizer

Ally Gonzalo Photography

Ally Gonzalo is a queer, Filipinx settler in Treaty 1 Territory and has been here for almost 7 years. A graduate of History and Political Science from the University of the Philippines, as well as a valedictorian of PrairieView School of Photography, Ally’s work revolves around exploring the idea of queer Filipinx History and Diaspora by way of portraits and street photography. Ally’s work relies on vulnerability and honesty of their subjects, which they are able to accomplish by through various trust exercises throughout his shoots.

Acknowledgement of the power relationship between the subject and the photographer allows Ally to get closer to his clients as they let their guards down while I photograph them. This is what lets them tailor each portrait sitting and genuinely connect with their subjects.

Ally’s most recent work prior to the pandemic is one with CBC Arts back in 2019 called “bakla!” They continue to expand upin this body of work by slowly getting to know the members of the Filipinx community through their portrait work. By day, Ally works at a local camera store; they have also been freelancing for almost 8 years now.

Some of the clients/organizations they worked for are GreenPeace Philippines, Office of the

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Philippines), Boniface, Yes We Mystic, Pride Winnipeg, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Synonym Art Consultation, Gorge Festival, The Tallest Poppy, and CBC arts to name a few.

To see more of Ally’s work, follow them on instagram @jhapes.

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