13 November - 12 December
ALL GALLERY

Watch this space x feltspace artist exchange 2024

Alyssa Powell-Ascura
Meet Me in Alice/Mparntwe

Statement 

The project I am seeking to develop during the FELTspace x WTS Art Exchange Program is titled "Meet Me in Alice/Mparntwe," an exhibition that will highlight the Filipino migrant community and their significant contributions to Alice Springs, also known as Mparntwe. 

This project will utilise photography, experimental mixed media, and video to explore and celebrate their unique experiences and impact.

"Meet Me in Alice/Mparntwe" will document the experiences of Filipino migrants in Alice Springs. According to the 2021 Census, Filipino migrants are the fifth largest migrant community in the Northern Territory, and Tagalog ranks among the top four most widely spoken languages. The project will showcase portraits and personal stories through various lens-based mediums. The goal is to highlight the vibrant Filipino community and foster dialogue between them and the broader Alice Springs/Mparntwe population. The project aims to challenge stereotypes, enhance visibility, and provide innovative contributions to the local art scene.

Collaboration will involve key figures in the Filipino community in Alice Springs. Engagement will include interviews, participation in cultural events, and integrating community feedback into the artistic process. 

Alyssa aims to champion institutionally marginalised voices and provide them a platform through her works.

Artist Bio

A self-titled “slashie”, Alyssa Powell-Ascura is an award winning emerging multi-hyphenated creative, primarily known as an experimental visual artist and writer. As an Asian Australian, her background has given her an interesting, layered perspective on the world. Alyssa works across a variety of artistic mediums including: writing, visual and conceptual art, immersive installation, traditional and mixed digital media, and moving images, just to name a few.

Her personal belief in the interconnected relationship of humans to nature drives her to pursue advocating better care of ourselves and our Earth. A finalist of the inaugural SA Environment Awards 2023, she was nominated for her environmental advocacy and using her platform as an emerging creative to promote sustainability and inspire young people.

Her artistic expression delves into her personal narrative as the grandchild of an Igorot woman, weaving a narrative that explores her ties to Indigenous Philippines, Filipino history, diaspora, and the impact of colonisation. Through her creative practice, Alyssa generously shares her experiences with audiences, offering a platform that balances vulnerability and empowerment. Her work intricately holds space for an open dialogue, inviting viewers to engage with her journey, intertwining personal history with broader societal narratives.

Her creative work has been featured in a variety of local and international publications such as: Local Brown Baby (US), Kindling and Sage magazine (AU), Blank Street Press (AU) and The Philippine Times (AU). She has been published in The Entree.Pinays' anthology "The Calamansi Story: Filipino Migrants in Australia” (2023). She is currently working with fineprint magazine as part of COMMON WORDS x Sydney Biennale edition and undertook a curator mentorship with Vitalstatistix as part of Adhocracy.

Lastly, she is the first recipient of the Delima Residency, sponsored by the Mahmood Martin Foundation in collaboration with The Mill. Having returned from Malaysia, Alyssa embraces this invaluable cross-cultural experience to pursue innovative artistic research and multidisciplinary exploration. Alyssa's first solo exhibition, ‘Halo-halo’ was a Finalist for SALA 2024 City of Adelaide Award and Unitcare Services Digital Media Award, and took home the City of Adelaide Award.

If she’s not talking to the local Aunties and writing about food and culture, she can be found by the beach patting puppies who stop by to say hello.