Asian Australian multidisciplinary artist Alyssa Powell-Ascura is undertaking the first Delima Residency at Rimbun Dahan, sponsored by the Mahmood Martin Foundation in cooperation with The Mill, Adelaide. During the residency, Alyssa has been researching a new multidiscplinary work for her solo exhibition at The Mill in 2024, as well as immersing herself in living in Southeast Asia.
About the Artist
A self titled “slashie”, Alyssa Powell-Ascura is an emerging multi-hyphenated creative. As an Asian Australian, her background has given her an interesting, layered perspective on the world. Alyssa works across a variety of artistic mediums including: writing, visual and conceptual art, immersive installation, traditional and mixed digital media, and moving images, just to name a few. Her personal belief in the interconnected relationship of humans to nature drives her to pursue advocating better care of ourselves and our Earth. A finalist of the inaugural SA Environment Awards 2023, she was nominated for her environmental advocacy and using her platform as an emerging creative to promote sustainability and inspire young people. Her artistic expression delves into her personal narrative as the grandchild of an Igorot woman, weaving a narrative that explores her ties to Indigenous Philippines, Filipino history, diaspora, and the impact of colonisation.
Through her creative practice, Alyssa generously shares her experiences with audiences, offering a platform that balances vulnerability and empowerment. Her work intricately holds space for an open dialogue, inviting viewers to engage with her journey, intertwining personal history with broader societal narratives. Her creative work has been featured in a variety of local and international publications such as: Local Brown Baby (US), Kindling and Sage magazine (AU), Blank Street Press (AU) and The Philippine Times (AU). She has been published in The Entree.Pinays’ anthology “The Calamansi Story: Filipino Migrants in Australia” (2023).
Alyssa’s first participation in the South Australian Living Artist Festival (SALA) in 2023 led to her work, “Those who do not look back to their origins, can not get to their destination,” being a Top 3 Finalist for the Emerging Artist Award amidst over 10,000 participating artists—an immensely humbling recognition.
Lastly, she is the first recipient of the Delima Residency, sponsored by the Mahmood Martin Foundation in collaboration with South Australian Gallery The Mill. Currently in Malaysia, Alyssa embraces this invaluable cross-cultural experience to pursue innovative artistic research and multidisciplinary exploration. She will have a solo exhibition at The Mill in 2024. If she’s not talking to the local Aunties and writing about food and culture, she can be found by the beach patting puppies who stop by to say hello.
Artist Portfolio/Website: roseandcitrus.com/aly/
Instagram: @apowellascura | @alyssapowell
YouTube: youtube.com/@alyssapowellascura/
About the Residency
In 2023, The Mill is offering one South Australian artist the opportunity to travel to Rimbun Dahan, Malaysia, for a 3-month (residential) residency, October-December 2023, entitled the Delima Residency, in cooperation with Mahmood Martin Foundation. This will be followed by a 3-month (non-residential) studio residency at The Mill, and a solo exhibition outcome presented in The Mill Showcase.
As the recipient of the very first Delima Residency, Alyssa has been using this opportunity to develop new artistic led research, experimentation and no doubt multidisciplinary works that may go on to be exhibited at her solo exhibition at The Mill in 2024. This international residency presents Alyssa with an invaluable chance to immerse herself in Southeast Asia, with the ability to understand and engage with the region on a deeply personal level. This opportunity stands as a pivotal moment in Alyssa’s career as an emerging artist, facilitating her introduction within the South Australian arts community. Moreover, it serves as a catalyst for forging remarkable connections between art, geography and history, marking a significant leap forward in her creative journey.
About the Open Day Screening
On Rimbun Dahan Open Day on 26 November 2023, Alyssa will be screening a presentation of her video work “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan” | “Those who do not look back at their origins, can not get to their destination”.
First presented as part of the South Australian Living Artists Festival 2023 and a Top 3 Finalist for the City Rural Emerging Artist Award, the work focuses on the artist in an act of choreographed fight, in a traditional Philippine attire, highlighting Filipina resistance throughout history. Using arnis or fighting sticks originating from the Philippines, the artist dances with a spoken word poetry in the background.
“Taga saan ka?
Where are you from?
Taga dito ako.
I’m from here.”
The work prompt viewers to reflect on attitudes that have influenced the Australian society since the 1980s, shortly after White Australia Policy was abolished. During this time frame, the views of women from The Philippines were predominantly negative, with a strong attachment to the “Mail Order Bride” ideas perpetuated by sensationalised media. First generation Filipinas migrating to Australia were subjected to racist acts, some even resulting in violence, or worse, death. The work is a poignant attempt at decolonisation on a personal level, and viewers are invited to engage in a respectful, open manner. Powell-Ascura bravely asks how one might confront and shift their own biases, and how we can acknowledge the histories of Australia to work towards a better, fruitful present.
