Colour Has No Boundaries

Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas, Acrylic, Hessonite Garnet, Black Spinel, and Natural Ruby (Corundum)

Dimensions: 40x40 cm

Curatorial Statement:

This minimalist mixed media artwork reflects on over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, a period defined by oppression, suffering, and the exploitation of Filipino people on their own land. The plain white background represents humanity beyond racial divisions, prejudice, and colonial hierarchy, while the central brown axis symbolises the Filipino land, identity, resilience, and resistance.

At the heart of the composition is Josephine Bracken, represented through a deep red ruby head and a hessonite body and heart, symbolising courage, sacrifice, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Although she was of white Irish heritage and a foreigner in the Philippines, Josephine chose to stand with the Filipino people during their struggle against Spanish colonial rule. She cared for the wounded, supported revolutionaries, and became involved in the resistance movement. Josephine Bracken appears to be the only well-documented white woman associated with actively supporting the Filipino revolutionary cause against Spain, making her actions especially significant.

Surrounding her figure, aventurine cat forms represent love, care, and emotional healing, reflecting her role as a caregiver amid violence and conflict. These elements highlight that her identity was not defined by her race or background, but by her actions, compassion, and willingness to fight for justice alongside those who were oppressed.

Through this arrangement, the artwork presents Josephine Bracken as a symbol of humanity that transcends race and nationality. Her legacy represents courage, moral strength, and solidarity, showing that true heroism is defined not by where someone comes from, but by the choices they make and the people they choose to stand with.