Project #6
PERSONAL NA MITOLOHIYA
Inspired by mythological Greek hero’s journeys, Dominique begins her filmic journey in the Philippines presenting the story of the Adarna Bird, an old Filipino folklore. Created as a continuous symbolic representation of the heroine’s journey, the movement of this piece illustrates Dominique metaphorically and physically crossing the ocean to become the present-day version of herself.
DOMINIQUE V CASTELANO
Dominique’s work unveils the erasure of existence, generational pain, and trauma endured by BIPOC, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals through storytelling in their visual art practice. This reimagination steers away from Western-centric works, utilizing portraiture to envision a world where BIPOC, immigrants, and trans and queer communities are central to art, providing a kaleidoscopic portrayal for a contemporary view of the community.
At its core is an exploration of historical injustices, focusing on the cleansing of trans and gender non-conforming bodies through colonization and imperialism. Themes include access to resources, trans bodies in mythology, autobiography, social activism, and performances outside of time.
PROJECT# 5
DOLLTHOLOGIQUE
"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. Embracing the autobiographical thread woven into the artist's works, a notable thematic continuity emerges through her deliberate titling approach.
PROJECT #4
FUTURE RUINS
In this evocative exploration, the collection envisions formerly intact structures that, over time, have succumbed to a state of partial or total disrepair, mirroring the enduring consequences of colonialism and patriarchal structures on Filipino identity. These “Future Ruins” become tangible symbols of the enduring scars left by external powers that sought to reshape and suppress the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage engaging in a visual discourse about the ongoing struggle for self-determination, sovereignty, and cultural reclamation.
PROJECT #3
METRANSMORPHOSIS
The “Metransmorphosis" is a transformative and evolutionary process specifically tied to the context of the artist's experiences and creations within “The Metransverse”. It embodies a profound shift or metamorphosis within the realm of transgender identity, artistic expression, and societal consciousness. This term captures the essence of a transformative journey marked by self-discovery, artistic exploration, and a redefining of societal narratives related to gender and identity. The "Metransmorphosis" signifies not just personal growth but a broader societal transformation, echoing the artist's endeavor to challenge norms, promote inclusivity, and contribute to the evolution of perspectives surrounding transgender experiences.
PROJECT #2
THE METRANSVERSE
Deviating from the traditional paradigms inherent in 14th-century Renaissance art, "The Metransverse" undertakes a conscientious exploration that transcends cultural and artistic boundaries underscoring a critical juncture in the 21st century. Rooted in the artist's Asian heritage, this series adeptly synthesizes Eastern aesthetics, notably influenced by anime and manga. The emergence of a self-taught artist who cultivated her skills in drawing and painting through immersive engagement with anime and manga, underscores not only her passion for the medium but also her capacity to absorb and reinterpret visual languages within a cultural context. As a self-taught artist, her work bears witness to the fusion of traditional Eastern aesthetics with contemporary themes, creating a unique visual language that challenges established norms and internalizing a storytelling tradition that now reverberates through her evocative body of work.
Personal Mythologies Merch
Limited Edition merchandise will be available for purchase at the Personal Mythologies 2023 Show
