Lunod

Joshua James Julian

Lunod, is a video installation that depicts a constantly changing background transitioning between the Philippines and Canada. A silhouette placed in the foreground displays separate footage related to the background. This silhouette not only serves as an invitation for audience members to see themselves in the video, but is also a metaphor for how our surroundings can envelop and change us, greatly affecting our character while also allowing us to become part of our environment.

This work reflects my journey as a Filipino Asian immigrant growing up in Canada – a country markedly distinct from my own. The language, weather, the exposure to various ethnicities, and other cultural aspects from Canada all had a strong impact on my character growing up. However, having lived in this environment for quite some time, my connection to my original culture began to slowly disappear: a language I used to speak fluently has become foreign and what I knew about my home country all seems to be a bit skewed. Now, having grown up, I want to rediscover my heritage through my work in the hope of trying to reconnect with what I lost.