EP43: The Colorful Life and Art of Pacita Abad | Batanes, Trapunto, World Travel, Abstraction

ArticulatePH is thrilled to present Lost Conversations, a series of interviews conducted 40–50 years ago by publisher, art critic, and artist Cid Reyes.
Cid recently rediscovered these cassette tape recordings of conversations with established artists, masters, and National Artists, and articulatePH has now digitized them for today's art enthusiasts.
These invaluable sound bites, now carefully restored, are truly national treasures, transporting us to an era on the brink of a Philippine contemporary art revolution.

Possibly the most globetrotting Filipino artist was the late Pacita Abad, who left her mark on over 60 countries across the globe. When asked about her extensive travels, she would chuckle and quip, “It’s because I was born inside a post office.” True to her words, her family's home in the picturesque Batanes was situated right in front of the bustling local post office. Her upbringing in Batanes was steeped in political lineage, as both her parents were notable figures in the community. Pacita herself was a fierce advocate for justice, openly criticizing the oppressive Marcos dictatorship. In 1970, to flee political persecution, she embarked on a journey to the United States, where she became a voice for political refugees and marginalized communities. Her experiences and those of others became the vibrant subjects of her evocative series, “Immigrant Experience.”

Though she often referred to herself as primarily a self-taught artist, her travels served as a profound education, enriching her artistry. She absorbed the cultural and historical essences from each country she visited—drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s enchanting Wayang puppetry, the intricate batik fabrics, and traditional masks, to the ornate doors and windows of Yemen, alongside the delicate strokes of Korean inkbrush painting. Throughout her journeys, she immersed herself in the cultural tapestries of each locale, engaging deeply with the communities she encountered.

Pacita’s signature creations, her “trapunto” paintings, are a testament to her unique vision. These extraordinary works are crafted from unstretched canvases that are artfully stitched and stuffed, reminiscent of quilted masterpieces. Derived from the Italian verb “trapungere,” meaning to sew, a trapunto piece bursts with intricate embellishments—clustering buttons, glimmering beads, sparkling sequins, vibrant feathers, rugged stones, and shards of mirror, all coalescing into a dynamic tapestry of texture and color.

As a person, Pacita Abad radiated with vivacity and exuberance, embodying a spirit brimming with life and creativity. Tragically, destiny dealt her a cruel blow when cancer struck during the zenith of her artistic prowess, claiming her life in 2004 at the tender age of 58. Her journey may have been cut short, but her legacy as a passionate artist and advocate continues to inspire.

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