Cover New York-based Filipino-Chinese artist Miko Tiu-Laurel at his exhibition titled ‘What Lays Beneath a Black Hole; In Other Life’ (Photo: Nano Leon)
New York-based Filipino-Chinese artist Miko Tiu-Laurel at his exhibition titled ‘What Lays Beneath a Black Hole; In Other Life’ (Photo: Nano Leon)
1 / 1
New York-based multidisciplinary artist Miko Tiu-Laurel explores generational trauma a marriage of various art forms
Is there a singular way to explore cultural identity? To New York-based artist Miko Tiu-Laurel, it’s a definite ‘no.’ His multi-disciplinary exhibition, held on August 26 in Brooklyn, showcased a deep decolonisation and all that the concept entails. Titled What Lays Beneath a Black Hole; In Other Life, it is a daring endeavour that deconstructs and reimagines shared past experiences, emphasising both cultural struggles faced by post-colonial societies as well as the artist’s personal journey.
The programme displayed various artistic mediums, from dance to visual art—even penetrating the world of fashion—in an effort to shine a light on folk arts, spirituality, and lore in a contemporary context. Tiu-Laurel’s work reflects a desire to reconnect with heritage and challenge the pressure of succumbing to an imperial narrative.
More from Tatler: Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Balete’ brings to life F Sionil Jose’s ‘Tree’ from the Rosales saga
Above Miko Tiu-Laurel at his New York City exhibition (Photo: Nano Leon)
Above A performance of ‘Pandanggo sa Ilaw’, a Filipino folk dance originating from Mindoro (Photo: Nano Leon)
Miko Tiu-Laurel at his New York City exhibition (Photo: Nano Leon)
1 / 2
The production included an installation of 100 hand-stitched and painted ‘angels’, a motif that evolved from Tiu-Laurel’s early ‘dumpling’ series. These were complemented by performers decked out in works by fashion designers Carl Jan Cruz and Jos Mundos, both locally recognised for redefining traditional Filipino garments.
In a poignant moment of reconnection, Tiu-Laurel involved himself, his mother and his sister in a healing ceremony as they symbolically addressed generational trauma. Live performances of traditional Philippine folk dances were staged as well, featuring original members of the Bayanihan Dance Company in addition to youth groups Kaisahan ng Lahi and UP Filipiñana.
See also: How Noname builds a community with music, wine, and good company
Above The event took place at Ojeras Studios in Brooklyn, New York (Photo: Nano Leon)
The event took place at Ojeras Studios in Brooklyn, New York (Photo: Nano Leon)
1 / 1
Tiu-Laurel’s artistic journey has been multifaceted from the beginning. As a student at Sarah Lawrence College, his project Bahay Tsinoy explored similar themes of trauma and heritage. Later, his Manila debut, OUTRÉ, paid homage to queer culture. He comments on this new artistic journey, “By incorporating elements of pre-colonial beliefs and celebration, I hope to inspire a deeper connection to our roots.”
NOW READ
Reimagining history: How is Stephanie Syjuco breathing new life into archives?
About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
