"Beneath the Barong" explores race, gender and sexuality using performance, light and shadow, and sexy Elvis eyebrows...

A single-channel video is projected onto a translucent fabric screen.  A figure in shadow is revealed wearing a Barong Tagalog, a traditional men's formal shirt and symbol of national pride in the Philippines.  The subject slowly strikes a "macho" pose with eyebrows arched like the best Filipino Elvis-impersonator. 

Light shines through the elegant shirt to reveal the body beneath the Barong.


SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:

gender/TROUBLING - a group show curated by Pam Patterson with Serena Lee.  With work by Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, Loree Erickson, Spy Dénommé-Welch, Alexandra Hazisavvas, Frances Mahon, and performance by Claudia Wittmann at XPACE Cultural Centre (Toronto) November 25 to 30, 2008

Read the essay on "gender/TROUBLING"