(On going..)

Panaghoy (Lamentations) is an expression of sorrow, pain, or confusion. Each work bears traces of burns, verses of poems, paintings, ink stains, unwoven fibres, pearls and wool threads.

In this ongoing body of work, Augustine intricately looks into natural and synthetic textiles from the Philippines and the UAE. Among its materials are the Philippines’ indigenous Piña silk and Abaca, combined with synthetic fabrics produced in Indonesia, and acquired in the UAE.

The Philippines’ colonial history precedes the materiality of Panaghoy, as much as its artist’s identity. In its 333 year occupation, the Spaniards imported Christianity and Piña fabric, among others. After the Spaniards came the Americans, and then the Japanese; despite the declaration of independence in 1946, majority of the population remained influenced by these occupations, leaving an indelible mark on the Filipino society.

Until today, the Filipino identity holds influence by these colonization. For example, Piña fabric is used for the national atire, while majority of the population remained Christian. The profound effect of economic devastation continued post-independence era, as the country experienced immigration and significant boom of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), boosting Filipino diasporic communities.

In Panaghoy, Augustine embarks on a pilgrimage of lamentation by understanding the intricate layers of his Filipino migrant identity, while grappling with the complexities and nuances of colonialism.