John Gatip, Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan (In The Rocking of The Cradle) (hanging), 2025, Capiz, pearls, timber, 130cm x 180cm x 97cm

Bale: a word in the Kapampangan language meaning “home.”

Having grown up in the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, John Gatip explores childhood memories through designed objects as a way to re-examine and reconcile his detachment from his culture after migrating to Australia at the age of 10.

The exhibition draws from memories of flood seasons, electrical blackouts, summer holidays, Todos Los Santos, and meals around the table, shaping the designs of the featured objects. It will include a Sungka board, a traditional Southeast Asian game, alongside chess and Damas (Filipino checkers) boards. Reflecting on Todos Los Santos, Gatip presents a series of candelabras and candle holders. The exhibition will also showcase sculptural hammocks crafted from capiz and reinterpretations of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper – an image prominently displayed in many Filipino dining rooms.

Through these objects, Gatip reinterprets his childhood, seeking to connect with others who share a similar migration story – where memories become bridges between cultures.

Opening event: Friday 9 May, 6-8pm