Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art
Paul de Guzman: laro na tayo – let’s play
Saturday, May 28, 2022, 2:30 – 4:30 PM PDT
Centre A is pleased to host Paul de Guzman’s performance of laro na tayo – let’s play for the City of Vancouver Public Art Program.
Register HERE.
Meet at Unit 205, 268 Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1X5
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“laro na tayo – let’s play” (“laro” for short) is part performance, social practice and residual installation. “laro na tayo” means “let’s play” in Tagalog. The project channels the nomadic and temporary as a post-colonial strategy referencing the Filipino Canadian experience. “laro” confronts the complexities of migration, colonization, settlement and multiculturalism through the didactics of a childhood game and the history it represents.
“laro” begins and ends with the cherished childhood memory of play. Once the national sport of the Philippines, the game of “sipa” (meaning “kick”) is ubiquitous in the playgrounds of elementary schools. Its origin predates the Spanish colonization of the 16th century and is played with a shuttlecock-like object made from a “tingga” (metal washer) wrapped in straw/cloth.
The act of kicking and propelling the “sipa” is a willfully transient act referencing the nomadic and migratory. Further reflection reveals that these early age experiences resonate with adult concerns of fair play, perservance, migration, and other grown up realities. “laro” bridges the temporal gap between childhood and adult experiences offering a democracy of expression. It symbolizes a desire from our experiences and memories to be recognized, resulting in a cohesive and meaningful dialogue”
“laro na tayo – let’s play” is commissioned by the City of Vancouver Public Art Program. The artist is grateful to perform this project on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
The performance will be followed by a Q&A session with the artist.
The project will be performed at various outdoor and indoor locations within the city of Vancouver. The venue, date and time of each event will be announced on the artist’s website prior to the performance.
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Paul de Guzman
Dividing his time between his birthplace of Mandaluyong City, Philippines and Vancouver, Canada, Paul de Guzman’s concept driven artistic practice is governed by nomadic gestures and transient objects. His artistic strategy can be described as having an acute sensitivity toward an idea, a site, its public and its surroundings complimented by his interests in fleeting gestures, social structures, urbanism and post-colonial concerns.
Please visit www.pauldeguzman.com for more information about de Guzman’s work.
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IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING YOUR VISIT:
1. Be gently reminded that you will need to be fully vaccinated to attend this event. Face masks or face coverings are encouraged when not drinking or eating. We also encourage you to sanitize your hands before and after visiting. Masks and hand sanitizer are available for you as needed.
2. Due to Sun Wah Centre’s security measures, please locate the security guard posted at the front gate to be let into the building. Otherwise, please call Centre A at (604) 683-8326 during the event hours.
3. Centre A is wheelchair and walker accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at the phone number above, or via email at [email protected].
Accessibility: The gallery is wheelchair and walker accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at (604) 683-8326 or [email protected].
Centre A is situated on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. We honour, respect, and give thanks to our hosts.