A Re-Appropriation of Filipino Colonial Photographs

Jas Sabrine (they/them) is a Filipino, tangata tiriti, visual artist based in Te Whanganui-a-tara studying at Massey University. Their works flow between mediums such as baybayin (ancient Filipino script) calligraphy, photography and installation. Their work engages with decolonisation and indigenisation practices within the fine art space. Driven by a deep love for their culture, Jas’ art practice is dedicated to reclaiming cultural identity as a diaspora, self-determination, and representation. Jas’ art and perspective is largely informed by their experience of immigrating to Aotearoa with their whānau, from the Philippines, in 2008. 

What is your project?  

What I am currently working on is my honours project, which is a documentation of how my Filipino diaspora community uses clothing to connect with whakapapa and express our cultural heritage. It is a re-appropriation of Filipino colonial photographs from postcards and anthropological material. 

Where did the inspiration behind this project come from?  

At the end of last year, I was doing research for my project Engkanto: Folktales of an Enchanted Kind, and I was looking at old photographs from an anthropology book from the 1900s called The Inhabitants of the Philippines. This led me to researching colonial photography in the Philippines during the early 18th century. 

What does your project mean to you in regards to your cultural heritage?  

Most, if not all of my works are love letters in one way or another. This project is a love letter and an acknowledgement to my Filipino diaspora community who have helped me feel seen and heard in Aotearoa. 

Tell us about some of the people in your photos? 

The folks in today's feature are my friends DX, Kaye, and Leigh, who were some of the first people I contacted to be part of the project. I first met DX when we were around 8 or 9 years old. Our parents, somehow, became friends after we recently moved here from the Philippines, and we've been friends ever since. I met siblings Kaye and Leigh through DX a few years ago and we instantly connected over our shared identities as Filipinos. 

How do you express your culture through fashion?  

In the Visayan region we are known for the patadyong which is a woven, plaid textile. It has been worn for centuries by my ancestors. My personal style is a little bit all over the place but I tend to gravitate towards bright coloured plaids, as it reminds me of the patadyong, helping me connect more with my culture.