DOLLTHOLOGIQUE
DOLLTHOLOGIQUE
OLYMPIA (2023)
Ceramic sculpture on painted wood board
Embracing the autobiographical thread woven into the artist's works, a notable thematic continuity emerges through her deliberate titling approach. Mirroring her practice of concluding project names with the last letters of her own name—exemplified in titles like "Adarnique" and "Dyipnique"—this intentional nomenclature introduces a cohesive narrative element to her body of work.
In its capacity as a neologism, "Dollthologique" extends beyond conventional linguistic boundaries, embodying an innovative concept crafted specifically to describe the landscape it seeks to explore.
The term "doll" emerges as a focal point, echoing from its roots in ballroom culture, symbolizing unity within trans communities. "Dollthologique" as a neologism, signifies an anthology where each piece of work inside the series contributes to a broader exploration of transgender identity. The title encapsulates the unity of these art projects under one umbrella, offering a profound discourse on the evolving narrative of humanity. It serves as an emblematic fusion of "doll," a symbol resonant within transgender communities, and "anthology," denoting a collection of diverse yet interconnected works.
Photographed by Caroline Mathis
VITRUVIANIQUE:
Ang Pagmemekaniko Ni Kiko Sa Makina Ng Manika
(2023)
Physical Sculpture (plastic doll, clay, wax, acrylic and oil paint, and gold frame)
This sculpture is a reinterpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic "Vitruvian Man" through the perspective of an transgender immigrant artist of color that intertwines the concepts of transgender identity and transhumanism. This sculpture serves as a profound homage to the complexities of human existence, with a poignant focus on the cleansing of trans and gender non-conforming people through colonization and imperialism.
The sculpture encapsulates an intricate journey of self-discovery and transformation. At its heart is a transgender figure of color, depicted with striking reverence. Meticulously fashioned from an array of materials that speaks to the access of resources of the artist and her community, the piece is created using a thrifted gold frame, barbie dolls, clay, wax, acrylic paint and oil paint. By centering a trans figure of color, the sculpture invites contemplation of identity, as well as the challenges faced by marginalized communities. By reimagining renowned artworks through the lens of trans subjects, the sculpture asserts the importance of acknowledging the diverse lived experiences within the broader narrative of humanity. It challenges the historical erasure of trans individuals and reclaims spaces for them in the canon of art.
VITRUVIANIQUE:
Ang Pagmemekaniko Ni Kiko Sa Makina Ng Manika
(2023)
3D Sculpture (in collaboration with Zel Downey)
Directly translated to English, the title "Kiko's Mechanism of the Doll’s Machine" suggests a narrative encapsulated within the sculpture. "Kiko" , the artist’s nickname growing up in the Philippines, refers to a character that mechanically alters the doll.
The term "Mechanism" alludes to the intricate workings or inner workings of a device, in this case, the doll’s transhumanistic experience. It hints at a deeper exploration into the complexities of the subject matter, inviting viewers to delve into the details and symbolism embedded in the sculpture. The sense of automation or assembly, raises questions about the mechanization of identity or perhaps the systematic nature of societal expectations. This could signify an exploration of how individuals, particularly those represented by the doll, navigate and respond to societal mechanisms.
OLYMPIA
(2023)
32” x 18”
Ceramic sculpture on painted wood board
The sculptural work “Olympia” recontextualizes classic artworks, prompting essential conversations about representation and humanizing the experiences of trans and gender non-conforming individuals. The piece being inspired by the shape of the barbie doll used “Vitruvianique” , serves as a reminder for transgender individuals to shape their own identities authentically. This exploration merges the concept of "dollhood" with the reshaping of physical forms through sculptures, enriching conversations on diversity within the art world.