JOY so that we may remember KIM REQUESTO INTERVIEWED BY ROWENA RICHIE
I ALWAYS THOUGHT OF THE TABLE AS A SYMBOL OF A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE ARE GIVEN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO BE RESPECTFULLY
Creating
HEARD AND HAVE THEIR
OPINIONS VALUED – A CATALYST FOR CHANGE.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Kim Requesto is a Spring 2023 CA$H grant- ee. This article highlights her funded activities and vision.
My photos interact with marginalized and Indigenous communities in the Philippines. Many of those communi- ties are in Mindanao, which is considered an unsafe place because of how it has been portrayed in the media. Being able to share snippets of Mindanao, and different commu- nities that have welcomed me with open arms, is import- ant in combating this narrative and the prejudice that many people have felt.
ROWENA RICHIE: You use photography to, “Visually share the realities of Philippine citizens.” Why do you want to share the realities? KIM REQUESTO: When I think of sharing my work with an audience, I hope that everyone, regardless of their race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability, can learn, understand, and find connection. There are so many similarities and parallels to our lives, sometimes it takes art in order for us to see and feel it.
ROWENA: What ethical issues do you face with your photography and dance practices?
KIM: Western photography often objectifies Indigenous persons through the lens. It has been important for me to get consent and be cognizant of the language I use sur- rounding the act of photography. To consider my relation- ship and connection to the communities as a visitor, but also as a photographer. I always try to travel with a Polaroid camera to cre- ate two photos of a moment: 1 for them, 1 for me. We’ve seen many times in anthropological photographical history, Indigenous people rarely get to see and hold physical photos of themselves. Additionally, not everyone
ROWENA: What stories do you want your photographs to tell?
KIM: I want them to remind us that Philippine culture and Filipinos are more than just the trope of lumpia, boxing and mainstream personalities. To remember the power we hold—our identities before colonization, imperialism and western influence.
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In Dance | May 2014 | dancersgroup.org
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