The Blurring of Artist, Objects and Audience into a Harmonious Confluence
Louis is a ex-advertising mogul rediscovering his passion for the arts and his deep love of his heritage and cultural identity. His uniquely Filipino aesthetic is a tool for advocating pride among people of colour and respectful cross-cultural engagement. On the 11 November, his PAWA performance/dinner Eat My Rice will take place from 6pm at 19 Tory St, Wellington. Here he speaks about feeling transnational, hopeful work by people of colour and the smells that get him up in the morning.
What will get you out of bed in the morning?
The smell of a hearty breakfast or a strong cup of coffee. A task I truly believe in. Friends. (Early morning booty call? lol)
Do you define yourself as a performance artist? What makes ‘performance art’ to you?
Where do you call home, and why is that place meaningful for you?
Why was it important to you to be a part of PAWA?
Who is an artist or group of artists that you especially admire right now?
Outside of PAWA – what are you working on right now?
How do you feel about your upcoming performance piece? Why is it important to you?
Do you feel as though New Zealand respects the arts? why?
I come from a country where the great majority would sacrifice art and culture to prioritise food and survival. So comparatively, I would say that New Zealand is a place where more people appreciate and respect art in all its manifestations. Whether the level of respect is enough is another question. Maybe when a practising artist can truly pursue his or her vocation without having to beg for funding, haggle for preposterously underpriced commissions or prostitute their name and commercialise their work can I really say that the respect is absolute.
In Conversation with Jess Holly Bates
Louis is a ex-advertising mogul rediscovering his passion for the arts and his deep love of his heritage and cultural identity. His uniquely Filipino aesthetic is a tool for advocating pride among people of colour and respectful cross-cultural engagement. On the 11 November, his PAWA performance/dinner Eat My Rice will take place from 6pm at 19 Tory St, Wellington. Here he speaks about feeling transnational, hopeful work by people of colour and the smells that get him up in the morning.
What will get you out of bed in the morning?
The smell of a hearty breakfast or a strong cup of coffee. A task I truly believe in. Friends. (Early morning booty call? lol)
Do you define yourself as a performance artist? What makes ‘performance art’ to you?
Where do you call home, and why is that place meaningful for you?
Why was it important to you to be a part of PAWA?
Who is an artist or group of artists that you especially admire right now?
Outside of PAWA – what are you working on right now?
How do you feel about your upcoming performance piece? Why is it important to you?
Do you feel as though New Zealand respects the arts? why?
I come from a country where the great majority would sacrifice art and culture to prioritise food and survival. So comparatively, I would say that New Zealand is a place where more people appreciate and respect art in all its manifestations. Whether the level of respect is enough is another question. Maybe when a practising artist can truly pursue his or her vocation without having to beg for funding, haggle for preposterously underpriced commissions or prostitute their name and commercialise their work can I really say that the respect is absolute.
In Conversation with Jess Holly Bates
The Blurring of Artist, Objects and Audience into a Harmonious Confluence
