Media: Pencils, charcoal, watercolor and acrylic on 300gsm watercolor paper
Dimensions: 12” x 18”
Framed: Yes
Year of Creation: 2019

About the Artwork:

'Silahis' is a Filipino derogatory term for bisexual people. It became popular as an insult when Silahis Hotel was infamous for being the place where same-sex couples discreetly spend their time. Originally 'silahis' meant sun rays and has a more profound spiritual meaning in Filipino culture. This brought me back to the stories of the babaylan who are most times genderfluid, non-binary, or sometimes openly bisexual or homosexual shamans in the pre-colonial Philippines practicing their magic as upper-class healers.

Shown at While the While the Whirlwind Whispers: Questions on the Queer at Jose T Joya Gallery, Cebu City.

This piece is no longer available for purchase .