The late Filipino artist Pacita Abad, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 58, is receiving significant recognition through a retrospective exhibition at MoMA PS1 in New York. This showcase, which runs until September 2, 2024, highlights Abad's extensive body of work, which includes around 5,000 pieces that challenge the 'folksy' stereotype often associated with her art. Abad's unique approach to fabric art, particularly her adaptation of trapunto quilting, integrates political themes and reflects the immigrant experience, making her work both personal and universally resonant [d58f18da].
Notable pieces featured in the exhibition include 'European Mask' (1990) and 'LA Liberty' (1992), the latter of which reimagines the Statue of Liberty. These works exemplify how Abad's art is deeply intertwined with her life experiences, including her flight from the Marcos regime in the Philippines in 1970. Since 2018, her family, including her ex-husband Jack Garrity and nephew Pio Abad, have played a crucial role in promoting her legacy and ensuring her contributions to contemporary art are recognized [d58f18da].
Following its New York run, the exhibition will travel to the Art Gallery of Ontario in October, further expanding the reach of Abad's impactful work. Critics and art enthusiasts alike have praised the retrospective for its powerful presentation of Abad's artistic journey and the socio-political narratives embedded in her creations [d58f18da].