On ongoing series currently in the works.
More coming soon...
More coming soon...
Kusikus (variation 1 - traditional, large)
Nica Aquino metallic yarn, bamboo 43" long x 14.5" wide 2021 $69.69 (USD) (Note: minis no longer available) |
Detail close-ups:
Large & mini juxtaposition:
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Detail close-ups:
Previously installed at Angels Gate Cultural Center. Photo by Christopher Velasco
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Kusikus (variation 1 - future, large)
Nica Aquino
acrylic yarn, bamboo
43" long x 14.5" wide
2021
SOLD
(Note: minis no longer available)
Nica Aquino
acrylic yarn, bamboo
43" long x 14.5" wide
2021
SOLD
(Note: minis no longer available)
ABOUT THE SERIES:
The kusikus (or whirlwind) is a pattern originally made on woven blankets (inabel ules) used during sleep to scare off evil spirits that attempt to haunt you at night. Derived from the Ilokano ethnolinguistic tribe of the Northern Philippines, this variation is a reimagining of the original kusikus design. As a future Ilokana ancestor myself, I am carrying on traditional patterns left from my ancestors by reimagining them through the creations of my own variations. This is in no way meant to be an “improvement” of the pattern, but rather, a prompt for us to think about the legacies we ourselves will also leave behind one day for our kin. Are traditions meant to stay the same forever, or are we allowed to deviate, transform and reimagine what these traditions mean for us in contemporary and future societies?
Traditionally, the art of weaving is a practice passed down from mother to daughter in the Philippines. Growing up, my own mother taught me the practice of crochet. Instead of weaving the kusikus design, I wanted to use a skill my mother passed down to me.
Oftentimes, we associate crochet with a handmade blanket from our mothers or grandmothers. Adding the element of protection through the varied kusikus patterns onto a hung crocheted textile, these wall hangings act as a protective crest or shield, defending us from harm with the use of the dizzying pattern and the security we feel through a warm blanket made by mom or lola.
In the "future" color palette, instead of going with a more traditional color palette, I decided to go with a color combo that propels us into future energies, drawing inspiration from nostalgic based references such as Crystal Tokyo, future funk, and the vaporwave movement.
By hanging the textiles in a more installation art setting for the exhibition at the Angels Gate Cultural Center in 2021, I juxtaposed the pieces with bamboo chimes to complement the “whirlwind” meaning of the patterns. Through the blowing of the textile fringes and sound of the chimes, the movement of the pieces created from the wind is meant to activate these patterns for maximum protection of their owners.
For optimal protection, hang a mini kusikus on your front door, bedroom door, or by your bed; or hang the large kusikus on your bedroom door.
More designs coming soon...
The kusikus (or whirlwind) is a pattern originally made on woven blankets (inabel ules) used during sleep to scare off evil spirits that attempt to haunt you at night. Derived from the Ilokano ethnolinguistic tribe of the Northern Philippines, this variation is a reimagining of the original kusikus design. As a future Ilokana ancestor myself, I am carrying on traditional patterns left from my ancestors by reimagining them through the creations of my own variations. This is in no way meant to be an “improvement” of the pattern, but rather, a prompt for us to think about the legacies we ourselves will also leave behind one day for our kin. Are traditions meant to stay the same forever, or are we allowed to deviate, transform and reimagine what these traditions mean for us in contemporary and future societies?
Traditionally, the art of weaving is a practice passed down from mother to daughter in the Philippines. Growing up, my own mother taught me the practice of crochet. Instead of weaving the kusikus design, I wanted to use a skill my mother passed down to me.
Oftentimes, we associate crochet with a handmade blanket from our mothers or grandmothers. Adding the element of protection through the varied kusikus patterns onto a hung crocheted textile, these wall hangings act as a protective crest or shield, defending us from harm with the use of the dizzying pattern and the security we feel through a warm blanket made by mom or lola.
In the "future" color palette, instead of going with a more traditional color palette, I decided to go with a color combo that propels us into future energies, drawing inspiration from nostalgic based references such as Crystal Tokyo, future funk, and the vaporwave movement.
By hanging the textiles in a more installation art setting for the exhibition at the Angels Gate Cultural Center in 2021, I juxtaposed the pieces with bamboo chimes to complement the “whirlwind” meaning of the patterns. Through the blowing of the textile fringes and sound of the chimes, the movement of the pieces created from the wind is meant to activate these patterns for maximum protection of their owners.
For optimal protection, hang a mini kusikus on your front door, bedroom door, or by your bed; or hang the large kusikus on your bedroom door.
More designs coming soon...
