The Catacombs Gallery
October 6, 2023 to November 17, 2023
“More Than Lumpia" is a groundbreaking exhibition that seeks to amplify the voices. and narratives of Filipino-American artists, showcasing their talent, creativity, and contributions to the art world. By exploring the Filipino-American experience through visual arts, this exhibit aims to challenge stereotypes, promote representation, and foster a more inclusive art community.
As Filipino cuisine gains recognition, “More Than Lumpia” explores Filipino-American identity, socio-cultural experience, and politics behind the lens of visual art. The juried art exhibit celebrates and amplifies the voices of Filipino-American artists, shedding light on our unique perspectives and contributions to the art community.
Epiphany Center for the Arts and Conde Art Project, both committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity, have joined forces to present this exhibit during Filipino-American History month in October 2023.
The exhibition provides a platform for Filipino-American artists to showcase their works and engage with a wider audience. The title, "More Than Lumpia," pays homage to Filipino culinary heritage while also challenging the notion of reducing Filipino culture solely to its cuisine. Just as lumpia represents a small part of the rich Filipino gastronomic tradition, this exhibit seeks to highlight the multifaceted nature of the Filipino-American experience beyond stereotypes and clichés.
Through various mediums, the artists explore themes such as diaspora, identity, assimilation, intergenerational relationships, memory, queerness, and the intersectionality of being Filipino-American. The artworks will delve into personal narratives, history, and socio-cultural issues, providing a nuanced and layered perspective on Filipino-American identity.
"More Than Lumpia" aims to address and challenge the underrepresentation of Filipino-American artists in the art community. Despite being the second-largest Asian group in the United States, Filipino-Americans have often been overlooked and marginalized in mainstream art institutions.
Epiphany Center for the Arts and Conde Art Project believe in the power of art to bridge communities, foster understanding, and ignite conversations. By presenting "More Than Lumpia," they hope to create a space for dialogue and appreciation of the Filipino-American experience and contribute to a more inclusive art scene in Chicago and beyond.
In addition to the exhibition, "More Than Lumpia" will feature artist talks to further explore the themes and issues raised by their artworks. These events will provide opportunities for artists, scholars, and the public to engage in meaningful conversations and gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino-American experience.
As the curator, I purposely chose the Catacombs Gallery as the perfect place for this exhibit for it echoes the basement space of the Field Museum, where thousands of Philippine artifacts are archived. Unlike the Field Museum basement, where Philippine artifacts are rarely seen and rich histories go virtually unknown, the Catacombs Gallery presents and makes accessible a trove of artwork and narratives that recognize and celebrate Filipino-American culture and traditions.
Importantly, I want to extend my gratitude to the artists participating in “More Than Lumpia”, The Epiphany Center for the Arts, Julie Carpenter for helping plan the event, David Chase, and Kimberly Rachal for creating a most amazing art event space.
Mad Love,
Cesar Conde
Curator/Artist/Activist
Click HERE for more information on gallery hours and private appointments.
The Catacombs Gallery
October 6, 2023 to November 17, 2023
“More Than Lumpia" is a groundbreaking exhibition that seeks to amplify the voices. and narratives of Filipino-American artists, showcasing their talent, creativity, and contributions to the art world. By exploring the Filipino-American experience through visual arts, this exhibit aims to challenge stereotypes, promote representation, and foster a more inclusive art community.
As Filipino cuisine gains recognition, “More Than Lumpia” explores Filipino-American identity, socio-cultural experience, and politics behind the lens of visual art. The juried art exhibit celebrates and amplifies the voices of Filipino-American artists, shedding light on our unique perspectives and contributions to the art community.
Epiphany Center for the Arts and Conde Art Project, both committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity, have joined forces to present this exhibit during Filipino-American History month in October 2023.
The exhibition provides a platform for Filipino-American artists to showcase their works and engage with a wider audience. The title, "More Than Lumpia," pays homage to Filipino culinary heritage while also challenging the notion of reducing Filipino culture solely to its cuisine. Just as lumpia represents a small part of the rich Filipino gastronomic tradition, this exhibit seeks to highlight the multifaceted nature of the Filipino-American experience beyond stereotypes and clichés.
Through various mediums, the artists explore themes such as diaspora, identity, assimilation, intergenerational relationships, memory, queerness, and the intersectionality of being Filipino-American. The artworks will delve into personal narratives, history, and socio-cultural issues, providing a nuanced and layered perspective on Filipino-American identity.
"More Than Lumpia" aims to address and challenge the underrepresentation of Filipino-American artists in the art community. Despite being the second-largest Asian group in the United States, Filipino-Americans have often been overlooked and marginalized in mainstream art institutions.
Epiphany Center for the Arts and Conde Art Project believe in the power of art to bridge communities, foster understanding, and ignite conversations. By presenting "More Than Lumpia," they hope to create a space for dialogue and appreciation of the Filipino-American experience and contribute to a more inclusive art scene in Chicago and beyond.
In addition to the exhibition, "More Than Lumpia" will feature artist talks to further explore the themes and issues raised by their artworks. These events will provide opportunities for artists, scholars, and the public to engage in meaningful conversations and gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino-American experience.
As the curator, I purposely chose the Catacombs Gallery as the perfect place for this exhibit for it echoes the basement space of the Field Museum, where thousands of Philippine artifacts are archived. Unlike the Field Museum basement, where Philippine artifacts are rarely seen and rich histories go virtually unknown, the Catacombs Gallery presents and makes accessible a trove of artwork and narratives that recognize and celebrate Filipino-American culture and traditions.
Importantly, I want to extend my gratitude to the artists participating in “More Than Lumpia”, The Epiphany Center for the Arts, Julie Carpenter for helping plan the event, David Chase, and Kimberly Rachal for creating a most amazing art event space.
Mad Love,
Cesar Conde
Curator/Artist/Activist
Click HERE for more information on gallery hours and private appointments.
Cesar Conde
Curator/Artist/Activist
Cesar Conde
Curator/Artist/Activist
