SoMapagmahal in the Ramp Gallery

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SoMapagmahal presents Brown Joy, showcasing the collective cultural memories and daily experiences of Filipinx/Filipinx American youth in the South of Market. By learning how to use a 35 mm film camera, participating students explored the ways art can humanize marginalized communities. Taken by middle school students, this exhibition centers the importance of experiencing joy, especially for youth of color, in times of growth, transformation, and uncertainty.

SoMapagmahal engages middle school student participants of the Galing Bata Afterschool Program at Bessie Carmichael Filipino Education Center Pre K-8 (BCFEC) to use photography as a tool for self and community advocacy. Youth participants, mentored by select teaching artists, directly immerse in their emerging art practices through multimedia exercises, supplemented with monthly readings, screenings, talks with visiting artists, collaborative workshops with SoMa Pilipinas organizations and surrounding communities to ground their progressing art practices. The program culminates in a zine publication and exhibitions of the photography.

Youth Artists
Aaliyah
Acel
Allyna
Angel
Dayzsha
Jean–Luc
Julianna
Sean
Gremillia

About the SoMapagmahal organizers
SoMapagmahal is organized and taught by Erina C. Alejo, Derek Macario, Irwin Simpelo, Dara Katrina Del Rosario and Diana Li. Their commitment to community organizing and the arts as well as their individual experiences with diaspora and place have greatly informed their practice. Together, they have created a program that uses photography to center student narratives and mxntorship.

Image courtesy of SoMapagmahal 

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