Filipino artistry and flavor came together in a vibrant celebration at American University’s Katzen Arts Center through the exhibit Fabricated Boundaries: Filipina American Textile & Fiber Artists. In honor of Filipino American History Month, visitors were treated not only to stunning works of textile and fiber art but also to a taste of home—ube brownies and buko pandan cinnamon rolls by Matelna Bakes—served during the special gallery tour.
Curated by Dr. Tiffany Lynn Hunt, Fabricated Boundaries showcases the works of four Filipina American artists: Pacita Abad, Mic Diño Boekelmann, Jeanne F. Jalandoni, and Patricia Orpilla. Each artist explores themes of identity, migration, and cultural memory through traditional Filipino materials such as abaca and piña fibers, and through contemporary approaches like collage, embroidery, and printmaking. Their art speaks of crossing borders—geographic, cultural, and personal—while celebrating the strength and softness found in Filipino heritage.
The guided tours, hosted during American University’s Alumni Weekend, invited guests to engage with the stories woven into each piece, while the Filipino-inspired treats offered a sensory bridge between culture and creativity. The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., which supported the event, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy through shared experiences—proving that art and food together can tell a powerful story of connection and belonging.
More than just an art show, Fabricated Boundaries became a space where Filipino identity was seen, felt, and even tasted. Through threads, textures, and familiar flavors like ube and pandan, the exhibit reminded everyone that the Filipino story continues to thrive—colorful, layered, and beautifully interwoven within the American cultural fabric.
Exhibit: Fabricated Boundaries: Filipina American Textile & Fiber Artists
Venue: American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, Washington, D.C.
Curator: Dr. Tiffany Lynn Hunt
Featured Artists: Pacita Abad, Mic Diño Boekelmann, Jeanne F. Jalandoni, and Patricia Orpilla
Event Partner: Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Special Program: Alumni Weekend Gallery Tour & Snacks featuring Filipino-inspired treats
Culinary Partner: Matelna Bakes (Ube Brownies and Buko Pandan Cinnamon Rolls)
Photography and Coverage: Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Source: Philippine Embassy – Washington, D.C. Official Website
