50.8 x 40.6 cm
Human Form (Anyong Tao) is a series of paintings that depict my experiences throughout the first year of postpartum following the birth of my son. Initially conceived as a collection of illustrated Filipino folklore intended to be a storybook for my son, this project evolved significantly. During my pregnancy, I researched the mythical creatures and childhood folklores I grew up with, but as I delved deeper, the effects of postpartum haze began to shape the work into a reflection of my own mental decline in the months following my son's birth.
Instead of illustrating traditional stories, I created my own characters for this series. The term "Anyong Tao", which translates to "Human Form", typically describes supernatural creatures in the Philippines that assume human forms to lure prey or coexist with mortals. I felt a profound connection to this term, as I navigate life as a mother, struggling to reconcile my new role with my previous identity.
This series is inspired by themes of nature juxtaposed with everyday scenes of domestic life, drawing from my childhood experiences in the Philippines. The paintings create a surreal world of distorted memories, reminiscent of the mother figures I grew up with. Throughout the creation of these works, the paintings have served as a visual journal of my emotional and mental state, helping me make sense of the metamorphosis I am undergoing.
