Yuan Mor’O Ocampo: Exploring Filipino Identity

Yuan Mor’O Ocampo is an award-winning performance artist whose commitment to creating powerful works of performance art with strong cultural undertones has earned him the reputation as an innovative and daring contemporary artist.

Filipino performance artist Yuan Mor’O Ocampo graduated from the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines before becoming the first Filipino artist to be awarded a scholarship to study at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design in Indonesia. He became drawn to performance art because of its ability to connect and engage with audiences in a unique way, commenting that ‘It is not music but has musicality. [It is] almost theatrical, has movements, but it is not a dance.’

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Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Filipino culture is central to Ocampo’s works; for example, in his 2005 piece, Diaspora, the artist knotted together a series of ribbons from medals to create a long rope of red, white and blue, colours evocative of the Filipino flag. He then suspended the rope by tying one end to a pillar at the centre of the room and the other end tied to a fixture in the corner of the room. The artist then invited members of the audience to tie strips of ribbon to the principle rope, with the resultant creation resembling decorations used during national celebrations. Ocampo then took one end of the rope and slowly bound it around a series of pillars in the centre of the room, chanting the words ‘Life is hard, not here, not for me’.
The strips of ribbon represent the millions of Filipino migrant workers dispersed around the world, who strengthen and support the Filipino economy, as represented by the suspended rope. Ocampo’s haunting chant recognises the hardships faced by his displaced compatriots and highlights the need to re-examine the country’s political and economic conditions.
Ocampo is interested in creating art that is participatory and collaborative, such as in Diaspora. For Ocampo, the concept of connectedness is integral both in his works and his personal life philosophy, musing that ‘…I have come to realise that we are all connected. I have come to realise that life must be shared; you share yourself with others, with one’s environment; a life of mutual sharing among all creatures could start with a small feast, set on a table, celebrating life.’
In addition to performing his works in art festivals in the Philippines and abroad, Ocampo has taken on high-profile roles such as Artistic Director of the Luntiang Pattaradday Festival and executive Council Member of the Visual Arts Committee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, reflecting his tireless commitment to promoting performance art as a means of exploring cultural identity.
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