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THE HOMECOMING TO CULTURE—Pacita Abad at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila

For our first Culture Day of the year, we visited Pacita Abad: Philippine Painter exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. Curated by Clarissa Chikiamco, the exhibit showcased Abad’s work from the first decade of her embarkment into the arts—from 1976 upon the commencement of her formal art studies in Washington, D.C., to 1986 when she returned to Manila. The exhibit celebrates Abad’s boundless creativity, fearless experimentation, and deep cultural resonance.

A Tapestry of Movement and Meaning

The DFT Team visited the Pacita Abad Exhibition held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC, Taguig

Pacita Abad was a storyteller, a traveler, and an innovator. Born into a political family in 1946, her artistic journey was prompted when she moved abroad, initially intending to pursue graduate studies in the field of law. Shortly after, she took up Asian History in San Francisco, exposing herself to the 1970s robust art scene. She has traveled extensively, setting in motion a lifetime of exploration, frequently revisiting her homeland and residing in various locations around the world. Needless to say, her peripatetic lifestyle shaped her perspective, infusing cultures and social consciousness into every piece she created.

Sampaguita Girl, 1984
Sandra’s Mysterious World, 1985
Jerry After Negros, 1985
Evil Eye, 1983

Weaving Culture into Canvas

Abad was an avid collector—not just of experiences, but of materials and traditions. The fabrics and weaving techniques she encountered through her transglobal ventures inspired the creation of the trapunto painting, a process that involves layering, stitching, stuffing, and sewing fabric into canvas. Crafting an art that was not just seen but felt—vibrant, tactile, and deeply expressive. Through color, texture, and intricate patterns, she transformed personal and collective narratives into something tangible, giving voice to the places and people that shaped her journey.

Pacita Sailing, 1983
Puerto Galera III, 1986
Ligpo Island, 1986
Mika in front of To Fall and Rise Again (Tipaklong), 1985

A Vivid Sense of Identity

As a reflection of both her personal and global consciousness, Abad’s works centered around various themes relating to sociopolitical commentary, cultural celebration, and abstract exploration. Her art carried the weight of history and the urgency of the present, capturing stories of resilience, displacement, and celebration. Whether evoking political demonstrations, migration from the purview of an immigrant, or other nuances of society’s disenfranchised including indigenous and tribal identities, her artistry is an expression of experiences across communities, economies, and histories—probing into unchartered reflections with a sense of global identity.

Local newspaper clippings from the 80’s featuring Pacita Abad’s sociopolitical works
Daily Rations, 1980 (left), Woman of the World (Portraits of Cambodia), 1980 (right)

An Enduring Legacy

Pacita Abad passed away in 2004, but the ripples of her legacy endures. Beyond exhibitions that celebrate her extensive oeuvre and significant contributions to contemporary art, her imprint persists to resonate even beyond the confines of the art community. She is revered for her role as a trailblazer for female artists and for her innovative commitment to illustrating cultural perspectives through dynamic visual storytelling.

As creative professionals, we draw parallelisms from Abad’s art and visions. At DFT, we believe that great design is nestled in great inspiration. Our global footprint and wealth of experience serve as powerful catalysts that amplify us to uniquely express the visions of our collaborators. We accentuate the nuanced and bring in novel perspectives—ultimately crafting compelling and meaningful stories for the brands we articulate.

Visit the Pacita Abad: Philippine Painter exhibition on the 3rd Floor of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila until March 30, 2025.

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