Nature’s Energy and the Unwrapping Lumpia Art Exhibition
At the Epiphany Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL
September 20 – November 7, 2024

24×48” Glass on Acrylic/colored pencil on cardboard and illustration board on hard board
Like its Native American counterpart, the Indigenous people of the Philippines emphasize harmony with the natural environment, such as the forests and seas. Filipino culture believes that power resides in the natural environment and that living things and inanimate objects have power.
Unwrapping Lumpia: Deconstructing the Filipino American Identity is presented in true “Bayanihan Spirit” by Conde Art Project, Epiphany Center for the Arts, Likhaya, and Sinag Chicago Arts. Unwrapping Lumpia features the work of thirty-eight Filipino American artists in an exhibit that delves into the complexities of Filipino American identity and the experiences of individuals within this community. In celebration of Filipino American Heritage Month in October, the exhibit provides a platform for Filipino American artists to explore and express their personal journeys and reflections on identity. Through artistic expression, participants share their perspectives on what it means to be Filipino American, how their cultural heritage influences their lives, and how they navigate their identities in the diverse socio-political landscape of America.
Unwrapping Lumpia: Deconstruction of Filipino American Identity is the sequel to the successful art show More Than Lumpia during Filipino American History Month 2023. Lumpia is a popular traditional dish made of different ingredients, texture, and complex flavor. Much like Filipino Americans.
Cesar Conde – Curator
Magdalena and the More Than Lumpia Art Exhibition
At the Epiphany Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL
October 6 – November 17, 2023

18×24″ Acrylic/colored pencil on cardboard on wood panel
Magdalena “Maggie” Estoista Leones (August 19, 1920 – June 16, 2016) was a Filipino intelligence officer during World War II. She is the first and only Asian to receive a Silver Star Medal for her wartime contributions.
She was the mastermind for the explosion of Japanese planes on an airstrip in Tuguegarao. Leones gathered radio parts and recruited technicians which allowed consistent communication with General McArthur, and it paved the way for his return to the Philippines and the eventual reclaim of Leyte.
Source: Wikipedia
“More Than Lumpia” was 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.