Key Points
- Marikit Santiago's three children often collaborate with her artwork.
- The Filipian-Australian artist often uses recycled materials like cardboard boxes in her artwork.
- Most of her works are a reflection of her lived experience as a Filipina-Australian.
'It was a different time growing up. I didn't know how to feel about my ethnicity."
This is Marikit Santiago's statement during her interview with SBS Filipino.
The Sydney-based artist said, "I called my parents 'Nanay and Tatay' when everyone called their parents Mum and Dad. I was so ashamed; it made me feel like I was different from everyone else, and I just wanted to blend in. But times have changed."
She is a mother of three and collaborates with her children and involves them in her art endeavors.
"There is so much knowledge and respect for other cultures. Now that I am raising my children, I carry all those experiences with me, about how I felt about my ethnic identity, and I try to help them understand theirs, and one way to do that is through my art." Marikit said.
Marikit Santiago uses recycled materials like balikbayan boxes 'I use cardboard to reference the Filipino attitude of utilising whatever resource is available and the story of migration. I also use 23 carat gold paint to create the tension between the two worlds (rich and poor).' Credit: Leon Schoots
