The British Council continues to support the growth of the Filipino art scene through Carl Irving “Kulay” Labitigan who featured his work “7,642nd Island” in Nena Saguil’s “LAKBAY: Voyages into the Absolute.”
LAKBAY is a group exhibition held from February 8-12, was curated by Marika Constantino. It featured the works of nine Filipino artists in the diaspora.
7,642nd Island” depicted how overseas Filipinos stay connected to home through video calls, online messages, and digital interactions, creating what he calls a “digital archipelago” that links Filipinos across borders.
Labitigan’s work invited audiences to reflect on what “home” means in today’s digital world. It is a poignant reminder that no matter how far we travel, our culture, memories, and connections keep us rooted. He also led an artist talk during the event, offering audiences a closer look at his creative process and the personal inspirations behind his work.
“For many Filipinos living abroad, home is more than a physical place, it’s a feeling we hold on to through technology and memory. I wanted to bring that idea to life through my art,” Labitigan said.
Crafted using sustainable materials, including miniature balikbayan boxes filled with vibrant shredded paper, Labitigan’s work paid homage to Saguil’s signature abstract style, representing the fragmented yet enduring ties that bind Filipinos worldwide.
More than an art exhibition, Saguil’s LAKBAY was a celebration of Filipino identity, migration, and creativity which highlighted the shared experiences of movement, adaptation, and belonging.
The exhibition was made possible through a collaboration among Art House, the Nena Saguil Foundation, and the Department of Tourism Philippines, with the British Council supporting Labitigan’s participation.
This collaboration underscores the British Council’s mission to create more opportunities for Filipino artists to expand their reach and impact globally.
Lotus Postrado, British Council Philippines country director, emphasized the British Council’s commitment to help boost the local art scene.
