In Filipino culture, the concept of pamana is more often than not, tangible inheritance in the form of property or money. However, more than just material wealth, pamana is actually legacy passed from one generation to the next, including values, traditions, customs, cultural practices and even, memories. Pamana is who we are now, shaped by those who came before us and continued by those who choose to pass it on.

For artist Astrid Castillo-Almario, fabric and dresses have always been her chosen subject. Her artistic journey has allowed her to tell stories of not only those who wore the dresses but also those who created them. Through her practice, she has become a living historian of sorts, one who archives not with pen and paper, but with brush and paint. Her finished works serve as visual testimonies of personal narratives and even cultural identity.

For this new collection, she chose to focus on Filipiniana and traditional textiles. While in previous exhibitions, Castillo-Almario featured Disney inspired dresses and ballet tutus rooted in childhood imagery and stage performance, for Pamana she returns home. Her garments are symbols of Filipino womanhood and by choosing to immortalize them on canvas, she highlights the resilience of heritage. Her evocative realism allows viewers to reflect on the enduring beauty of Filipino traditions. She reminds us that pamana is not only what we inherit, but what and how we choose to remember and preserve.

Astrid Castillo-Almario (b.1990) started painting at the age of 13. Influenced by her father and well-known Miniature Artist in the Philippines, the late Norris Castillo, Astrid started her art practice by painting landscapes, still-life and florals. She finished her Fine Arts – Major in Painting degree at the University of Santo Tomas in 2010, graduating with the "Best Thesis of the Year" Award. Castillo-Almario has participated in group shows both locally and abroad, with the most recent exhibition held in Vienna, Austria.

Galerie Joaquin Rockwell is located at the R3 Level of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati. For inquiries, contact +63 915 4145502 or email galeriejoaquin@gmail.com