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Artist Statement by Althea Balmes

In this system, we are taught to focus more about our lack. Systems of oppression will amplify our shadows, the parts of ourselves that are made to hide because of fear, shame, rejection or whatever else in order for us to disconnect from our whole sense of being and instead comply with a false source of higher power. 

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Artist Statement by Althea Balmes

Our own ancestors understood the significance of breath or air. I will always be in awe and in gratitude to them for giving us the code to good relations through our script, baybayin. I reflect on the baybayin HA  (doesn’t this look like how you would draw wind?). HA is the foundation syllable for any words rooted in air, wind (hangin) and breathe (hinga). Such as ginhawa, the tagalog word for wellbeing. In many Filipino indigenous teachings, the breath is understood as our spirit, our essence.

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Mother's Day is a day typically filled with celebrating the unwavering love and strength of mothers, yet there are mothers who are separated from their children and loved ones. Jailed on trumped-up charges, these Pinay activists and human rights defenders are not only robbed of their freedom and liberty but also the most precious moments of motherhood. Often faced with trumped-up charges, delayed and slow court trials, these Nanays (mothers) are separated or live life in prison with their children at the cost of their activism. Here are some stories of women political prisoners, their unwavering fight for justice, and the high price they pay for fighting for the causes they hold dear.

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