Filipina-Australian artist Marikit Santiago, based in Western Sydney, is making waves with her major solo exhibition, Proclaim Your Death! at Campbelltown Arts Centre. The exhibition showcases her innovative approach to art, blending traditional techniques with experimental materials to explore themes of life, death, faith, and identity.
A recipient of the 2024 La Prairie Art Award, Santiago pushes boundaries by incorporating large-scale cardboard installations and watercolors, marking a departure from her signature refined oil paintings. The exhibition also features works inspired by the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ collection, reimagining historical narratives through a diasporic lens.
Santiago’s use of reclaimed cardboard highlights sustainability and cultural significance, referencing the Filipino tradition of balikbayan boxes, which symbolize both personal and collective histories. A standout piece is a scale model of a Spanish Baroque-style church, constructed with her architect father, Noy, as a tribute to Filipino heritage and resilience.
“My practice is dedicated to my children,” Santiago shared. “When they are featured in my work as collaborators and subjects, I want their generation to be represented in a way that they are credited for what they can achieve at a young age. They are our future leaders and culture bearers.”
The exhibition also features a new series of paintings depicting Santiago’s family as Filipino deities, reinforcing themes of resilience and cultural pride. Her children, Maella, Santi, and Sarita, contributed by curating the interactive Alter Altar section, emphasizing the importance of family in her creative process.
Campbelltown Mayor Cr Darcy Lound praised Santiago’s work, saying, “We are proud to showcase Marikit Santiago’s latest commissions, which spark meaningful dialogues and inspire creativity within the Campbelltown community and beyond.”
Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre, Mouna Zaylah, echoed these sentiments, calling Santiago a “visionary creative force” whose career continues to thrive. The exhibition is accompanied by a public program exploring themes of religion, cultural heritage, and migration embedded in Santiago’s art.
