This Pinay artist was on Google Doodle. And now, an exhibit at the AGO

From being featured on Google Doodle on July 31, 2020, painting an entire bridge in Singapore, to having a 100-piece exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Pinay artist Pacita Abad has (almost) done it all.

Abad is currently being celebrated at the AGO in Toronto, one of Canada’s best museums, from October 9 to January 19, 2025.

The exhibition showcases over 100 art pieces by Abad, most notably her trapunto paintings—quilted works of stitched and stuffed canvas.

Inspired by her global travels and social justice themes, Abad’s colourful, vibrant, and textured art captures stories of resilience, and cultural diversity.

Born in Batanes, Philippines, in 1946, Abad originally pursued political science.

However, her journey into art began after fleeing the Marcos dictatorship in the 1970’s.

Settling in the U.S., she transitioned from activism to art, embracing painting as her medium of expression.

Mostly self-taught, she drew inspiration from her travels across 60 countries, incorporating cultural traditions such as Korean ink painting and Indonesian batik.

Her works often highlighted themes of migration and marginalized communities​.

She created large-scale murals, including masks from six continents, and her vibrant Alkaff Bridge in Singapore, a public art masterpiece adorned with over 2,000 colorful circles.

Her work has been exhibited worldwide, from the Tate Modern to the National Gallery of Singapore, cementing her legacy as an artist who redefined boundaries.

Despite passing away in 2004 at age 58, her art continues to inspire, bringing the stories of Filipinos and the global diaspora into focus​.

The AGO exhibit is a must-see, not just for its stunning artistry but for its celebration of a life lived boldly.

From intricate textiles to monumental paintings, Abad’s works speak of joy, struggle, and hope.

Filipinos can take pride in how her art elevates narratives from the Philippines to the global stage.

Whether you’re a fan of history, art, or cultural storytelling, her exhibit is kakaiba—truly one-of-a-kind​.