The Menarco Vertical Museum features Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan in their permanent collection

19 Feb 2023

Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan’s ‘The Left Wing Project (Belok Kiri Jalan Terus) Wing C’ is now on view at The Menarco Vertical Museum as part of their permanent collection.

The Museum in Manila features a carefully curated collection of works by notable contemporary Filipino artists. The Aquilizans’ wing-like kinetic sculpture is made from hand-forged sickles, counter-balanced by a sack of rice suspended from a weighing scale. Inspired by the experiences of farmers and blacksmiths from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the artists continue their research into the complex social and political realities facing contemporary agrarian societies in Asia.

Philippines-born husband-and-wife artists Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan (b. 1965 and 1962) have been based in Brisbane, Australia since 2006. Their collaborative practice often evolve around the spheres of home and family, exploring the notions of identity and belonging, journey and displacement, sensing presences in absence and accumulating memory. They continue to process these issues through materials and objects that are both abstract and referential, objects that serve as metaphors of everyday human life.

The works of Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan have been exhibited extensively in galleries and institutions worldwide, including the Gangwon International Biennale, South Korea (2018); Sharjah Biennale, UAE (2013); Asia Pacific Triennale, Australia (2009); Singapore Biennale (2008); Biennale of Sydney, Australia (2006); Gwangju Biennale, South Korea (2004), Venice Biennale, Italy (2003). Their works are included in the major collections such as the Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation (Australia); Singapore Art Museum; Fukuoka Asian Art Museum (Japan); Queensland Art Gallery (Australia); and Lopez Museum Foundation (Philippines).

Image courtesy of Menarco Vertical Museum, At Maculangan and 123 Pioneer Studios.