Pacita Abad’s life (1946-2004) was a testament to the transformative power of facing our fears. The Filipina-American artist, once terrified of water, became a certified scuba diver and channeled her newfound love for the ocean into a breathtaking series of underwater-themed quilts. These vibrant works, currently captivating audiences at the Tina Kim Gallery, are a dazzling departure from Abad’s usual politically-charged pieces, yet they still weave a subtle narrative of the Philippines’ complex history.
Abad’s quilts are more than just depictions of marine life; they are portals to a world of shimmering light and overflowing abundance. Fabric scraps transform into schools of exotic fish, while beads and sequins become glistening coral reefs. Each stitch pulsates with life, inviting us to dive into the cool embrace of the underwater world. Abad’s masterful use of mixed media creates a captivating textural experience, further enhancing the illusion of depth and movement.
“Shallow Gardens of Apo Reef” (1986), oil, acrylic, mirrors, plastic buttons, cotton yarn, rhinestones on stitched and padded canvas, 132 x 137 1/2 inches. “Dumaguete’s Underwater Garden” (1987), oil, acrylic, glitter, gold thread, buttons, lace, sequins on stitched and padded canvas, 85 1/4 x 118 inches.Detail of “Dumaguete’s Underwater Garden” (1987), oil, acrylic, glitter, gold thread, buttons, lace, sequins on stitched and padded canvas, 85 1/4 x 118 inches.“Sepoc Wall” (1985), oil, acrylic, mirrors and buttons on stitched and padded canvas, 139 1/2 x 132 inches.
“The Far Side of Apo Island” (1989), oil, acrylic, gold thread, plastic buttons, lace, sequins on stitched and padded canvas, 88 1/4 x 69 inches.“Hundred Islands” (1989), oil, acrylic, glitter, gold thread, buttons, lace, sequins on stitched and padded canvas, 79 x 118 inches.Detail of “Hundred Islands” (1989), oil, acrylic, glitter, gold thread, buttons, lace, sequins on stitched and padded canvas, 79 x 118 inches.“Anilao at its Best” (1986), oil, acrylic, mirrors, plastic buttons, and rhinestones on stitched and padded canvas, 115 3/4 x 124 7/8 inches.Detail of “Anilao at its Best” (1986), oil, acrylic, mirrors, plastic buttons, and rhinestones on stitched and padded canvas, 115 3/4 x 124 7/8 inches.
CEO-founder of Visualflood. A Brazilian fine art photographer, among other things, who loves visual arts, nature, science, and innovative technologies.
