Key Points
- Marikit Santiago's three children often collaborate with her artwork.
- The Filipian-Australian artist often uses recycled materials like cardboard boxes in her artwork.
- Most of her works are a reflection of her lived experience as a Filipina-Australian.
'It was a different time growing up. I didn't know how to feel about my ethnicity."
This is Marikit Santiago's statement during her interview with SBS Filipino.
The Sydney-based artist said, "I called my parents 'Nanay and Tatay' when everyone called their parents Mum and Dad. I was so ashamed; it made me feel like I was different from everyone else, and I just wanted to blend in. But times have changed."
She is a mother of three and collaborates with her children and involves them in her art endeavors.
"There is so much knowledge and respect for other cultures. Now that I am raising my children, I carry all those experiences with me, about how I felt about my ethnic identity, and I try to help them understand theirs, and one way to do that is through my art." Marikit said.
