EX SITU exhibit returns to highlight Filipino-Canadian creativity

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The sixth annual EX SITU exhibition has opened at Peace Gallery North in Fort St. John during Filipino Heritage Month. 

Ovvian Castrillo-Hill, one of the organizers and artists in the exhibit, explained that, aside from their shared Filipino-Canadian background, the exhibit pieces are not restricted to a specific theme. 

“Everybody has a different experience, not only by their age group but just as individuals, so whatever they deem that is valuable to them that they’d like to share from their Filipino-Canadian experience, that’s what we encourage them to bring out in their art.”  

Castrillo-Hill explained that she conceptualized the show years ago to showcase the creativity she saw in the Filipino-Canadian community in the region and fight against the stereotypes often associated with it. 

“I think it’s important for us to be seen as a whole, as individuals, and that includes the humanities; art, music, dance, and all the other things that I believe bind us all together,” Castrillo-Hill said. 

The exhibit features a variety of art installations, ranging from sculpture to photography to painting, all artistically presenting the artists’ experiences as new Canadians.

“There might be a tinge of difference that might not be usual, as per the normal viewer because it’s coming from a different place, and that’s well and good because you’re sharing those things,” Castrillo-Hill said. 

Castrillo-Hill intends for the exhibit to celebrate multiculturalism by showcasing how art and creativity can bring societies and communities together. 

The exhibit opened on June 7th and is open to the public until June 22nd at the Peace Gallery North.

To watch the full interview with Castrillo-Hill about Filipino Heritage Month, see the June 7 episode of This Week in the Peace