PALENGKE (2020-2021)

Acrylic & paint marker on canvas. Varying sizes.

“Palengke” is the Tagalog word for “market.” This series features wet markets, street vendors, ukay-ukay, and sari-sari stores.

“Ukay-ukay” refers to thrift shops that sell secondhand items cheaply; often clothing, shoes, bags, and other accessories. The word “ukay” derives from the Tagalog word “hukay,” which means “to dig.” This references the act of sifting through items (like clothing) that are usually presented in piles.

“Sari-sari” means “variety,” which describes what these neighborhood convenience stores sell. They are found well throughout the Philippines at nearly every street corner. Like the palengke and ukay-ukay, sari-sari stores can be quite colorful because of the various goods they sell. In addition to their economic value, they serve as social spots within Filipino communities.

This series is meant to capture and showcase these vibrant, bustling businesses. In highlighting them, I hope to honor not only their beautifully colorful nature, but also the people within them. Such businesses are vital in Filipinos’ everyday life, and ought to be celebrated.