DALA (Dinala at Nadala) is an exhibition that unpacks the Filipino experience through the act of carrying—"dala". In every journey, whether physical, emotional, or generational, we bring pieces of our identity and history with us. "Dinala" speaks of what we choose to carry—our resilience, memories, labor, and love—while "Nadala" reflects what moves or changes us, often beyond our control: trauma, migration, loss, and the shifting tides of progress. Together, these dual meanings create a portrait of a nation in constant motion, shaped by both agency and circumstance.
Through painting, participating artists transform everyday burdens into symbols of endurance and reflection. The exhibition becomes a shared space of empathy, asking: What do we continue to carry as a people, and what must we learn to let go? In this dialogue between "dinala" and "nadala", the Filipino spirit reveals itself—not only in the struggle of bearing weight, but in the grace of transforming it into meaning.
Christian Culangan
ID: A haunting depiction of an identification card encased in plastic, worn and weathered by time and exposure. The piece serves as a meditation on the ephemeral nature of institutional identity and the erosion of the self under the pressure of external forces.
Graveyard Shift: An intense, impasto-heavy portrait capturing the raw, psychological toll of the BPO industry. The work translates the visceral fatigue of the graveyard shift into a landscape of textured, shifting colors, highlighting a life lived on the margins of the clock.
Kendall Colindon
Yakang-Yaka I & II: A two-part series depicting the quiet, steady strength of survival. The figure, centered against an intricate, textured background, balances the weight of goods upon their head—a powerful visual narrative of the yakang-yaka spirit, where the burden of daily labor is carried with grace and resilience.
Maribel Magpoc
Pina: A surreal reimagining of the "Alamat ng Piña" (Legend of the Pineapple). By centering a subject with Down syndrome adorned with numerous eyes, the work subverts traditional folklore to explore themes of perception, hidden sight, and the beauty found in unconventional perspectives.
Clark Manalo
Batam: A striking examination of the sabong (cockfighting) culture, where the layered composition of the roosters mirrors the complexity of the sport itself. The work captures the tension, tradition, and aggressive energy inherent in this practice, questioning what is truly being carried into the arena of chance.
PJ Andayran
Without Intent: An abstract contemplation on the foundations of our experiences, focusing on the textures and layers that accumulate over time.
Half Body: A surreal exploration of the human form, depicting a figure merged with industrial remnants and tires, suggesting the ways in which our physical selves are often defined by the burdens we carry.
Kim Gaceja
The Imprints of Becoming: A poignant interior scene featuring a window and curtain, accompanied by the inscription: "May our bonds will be forever etched our souls." The work serves as a reflection on the permanence of human connection and the spaces we inhabit while growing together.
Mark Martinez
Ugat: A thoughtful exploration of heritage and personal roots, where the figure is visually intertwined with organic, plant-like elements, suggesting the inseparable bond between the individual and their origin.
Tampuhan: A delicate depiction of emotional withdrawal and internal conflict, using the interplay between a figure and encroaching botanical forms to externalize the weight of silent disagreements.
