On 12 August 2016, the Philippine Embassy received a painting, titled “Pinay in Switzerland” from Zürich-based Filipino artist Pamela Gotangco. The art work is now on display at the Embassy’s Consular reception area.
The painting depicts a Kalinga woman in a wrap-around skirt called “lufid” (from Bontoc Province) carrying a “kayabang” basket filled with famous Swiss products/brands. It is the artist’s humorous interpretation of Filipinos’ integration to Swiss society.
The artist said she takes inspiration in current events and social media and she believes that immortalizing these events in her canvas is valuable to the appreciation of the future generation and art enthusiasts of their historical roots and cultural heritage. She characterizes her style as figurative, feminine and arbitrary, oftentimes bordering on socio-political issues.
A proponent of equal opportunity for women, she also draws insights from the role of women in today’s society. In her latest works, she incorporates motifs drawn from both her own life experiences and from the people around her. The use of metal, hard and mindless objects are frequently incorporated to contrast with her delicate subjects.
Ms. Gotangco, hails from Rizal, Nueva Ecija and is a Bachelor of Arts in Communication graduate from Miriam College in the Philippines.
Ambassador Jimeno poses with Ms. Pamela Gotangco and her painting