The McNish Gallery of Oxnard College is proud to present "(De)Valued Existence," a solo art exhibition by Philippine-born artist, Diane Williams. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, October 26th, 5:00pm-7:00pm with an artist talk at 5:30pm followed by a special performance by Salin Lahi dance troupe. Join us at the McNish Gallery to experience this thought-provoking exhibition celebrating Filipino-American History Month and engage with the artist's vision.
In the shadows of Philippine history where narratives often lay obscured, “(De)Valued Existence,” emerges as an artistic exploration of the profound impact of colonialism and capital accumulation on human lives. This exhibition delves into the poignant theme of human disposability within the grasp of capitalism. It examines the intricate value systems governing gendered labor, spanning from the hidden heroines of the Philippine revolution to the marginalized labor of migrant workers.
At the core of this exhibition lie the weathered Dasters, carefully collected over two years from the network of friends and family of Philippine-born artist, Diane Williams. A Daster, with its loose floral or tribal print, embodies the essence of domestic labor, traditionally donned by women as they fulfilled their daily tasks. These dresses have undergone a transformative journey, dyed in the rich hue of indigofera, an indigenous Philippine plant. This act connects us to a precolonial era when women, regardless of gender identity, played pivotal roles within their communities. Ancestral stories of indigo leaves as forms of protection and healing are visually represented in the names painted with indigo dye pigment and embroidered in red yarn, paying tribute to the forgotten women who faced colonial eras and contemporary domestic challenges.
"(De)Valued Existence" narrates the stories of fearless individuals who ignited resistance against their oppressors. From Gabriela Silang's courage in leading a revolt against Spanish colonizers to Teresa Magbanua's involvement in three resistance movements, and Nieves Fernandez's tenacity as a guerilla leader during Japanese occupation, these narratives resonate with the fabric of our collective history. Contemporary figure like Maria Ressa, a Filipino-American journalist, unearthing human rights issues in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, is also celebrated for her unflinching resolve.
The exhibition juxtaposes these historical accounts with framed embroidered stories of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). These narratives, shared by friends and family, provide a modern-day perspective on the struggles of those seeking livelihoods abroad, shedding light on the complexities of their experiences and the enduring echoes of disposability.
"(De)Valued Existence" serves as a profound inquiry into the potential for the colonized to transcend their circumstances and shape their destinies within repressive systems. This question invites contemplation on resilience, adaptation, and reimagining within the margins. The exhibition creates a space for Filipina/x voices to envision their place within contemporary culture, reclaim visibility, and ignite social change.
This exhibition is a call to acknowledge marginalized narratives and a tapestry of strength woven through time. It encourages visitors to partake in a shared journey, embracing the stories of those who have been relegated to the peripheries of memory.
About Diane Williams: Diane Williams is a Philippine-born interdisciplinary artist in Los Angeles, CA. In her research-based work, she examines colonial legacies and the afterlives of empire. Williams contextualizes this idea by creating works that embody shared and non-linear collective stories of the underrepresented, illegible and invisible Other. She weaves physical cultural detritus as metaphors for how the marginalized are often viewed as disposable in society, while monumentalizing these colorful objects. To address the discrepancies in the archive, she works with materials that are donated and recycled from friends, family and her immigrant communities in Los Angeles. The gesture of obtaining a combination of materials from different sources provides connections with the histories and narratives of her current and past communities.
Her work has been featured in select publications and radio interviews including Artforum, Hyperallergic, Los Angeles Magazine, CBS News, KPCC, Laist, LA Weekly, Artillery, Eastsider LA and KPFK. Williams exhibited in several solo and group shows at the Armory Center for the Arts, 18th Street Art Center, Muzeo, Human Resources, Walter Maciel Gallery, Museum of Art and History, UTA Artist Space, College of the Canyons, Cerritos College Gallery, Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, California State University San Diego, Children's Museum of the Arts New York, Berkeley Art Center, San Francisco Arts Commission Galleries and Grafiska Sällskapet Stockholm, Sweden among others. She has works in private and public collections at National Immigration Law Center, Los Angeles and Washington DC, Glendale Community College and Azusa Pacific University. Williams earned her MFA at University of Southern California (USC) in 2021 and BFA at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 2013.
For additional information, contact Christine Morla cmorla@vcccd.edu or (805)678-5046
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Oxnard College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
El Colegio de Oxnard no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad, edad u orientación sexual.
