Artists have historically been the storytellers of time.
“The greatest innovation in the history of humankind was neither the stone tool nor the steel sword, but the invention of symbolic expression by the first artists.” (National Geographic. Jan. 2015)
Artistic expression and social advocacy are bridged in Lewanda's work "Telling Our Story" and "Social Commentaries" portfolios. Her work addresses social, immigrant and environmental issues. Telling Our Story is a visual narrative and intense commentary on the history of the Philippines and Filipino immigration to America. The first piece introduces us to the racial and cultural profile of Filipinos or Pinoys, known to many as doctors ,nurses, teachers, engineers, nannies, mail-order brides and others. Yet their historical background and enduring ties to the U.S. are rarely, if ever, understood in broader contexts.The background of western colonization is described in visually compact and arresting ways in two early works. Experiences of early and later immigrants are equally portrayed through her own interpretive prism. The artist, in her own unique way invites us to dwell on the many-layered experiences of an Asian minority, naturally and perennially attracted to join the multitudes drawn to this great and inclusive nation. Artist website here |