The first thing that will attract you to Brisa Amir’s work is how unashamedly imperfect it is. The slight roughness around the edges and the unconventional choice of color palette are both delicate and powerful in a sensual unapologetic way. Her artistry does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of life and exposing it through art.
Brisa Amir's artistic journey began at a tender age, spending countless hours playing in her father's studio and discussing various art forms with him. Her mother's unwavering support allowed her to explore her creative passions and carve out her unique artistic identity.
Today, Brisa has firmly established herself in the world of art galleries, captivating audiences with her one-of-a-kind "collage paintings." Her artistic process is a testament to her innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. With every stroke of her brush and every addition of material to her canvases, Brisa creates a captivating world of her own, inspiring others to see art in a new and exciting way.
As a woman in the arts, Brisa is taking the art world by storm with her unique collages and installations showcased in some of the most prestigious galleries, including Artinformal Makati and her own solo exhibition at the esteemed S.E.A. Focus in Gillman Barracks, Singapore. Her exceptional talent also earned her numerous accolades, including recognition from the Ateneo Art Awards and the esteemed Italian Purchased Prize in 2021.
Fortunately, PARCINQ had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Brisa. We sat down with her to discuss her creative process, the inspiration behind her innovative work, and her aspirations as a woman in the arts. Here's what she had to say.
How did you first discover your passion for art, and what obstacles did you overcome to pursue it?
Brisa: I was a melancholic teen who was comfortable in the dark. I view sadness not as something to avoid but as something to explore and to inspire creativity. I think that was the start when I discovered I wanted to be a creative adult; I wanted to be an artist.
How do you stay motivated and continue to push yourself creatively?
Brisa: Motivation is always there, but you need to find it. So, I like looking for experiences outside my art. I have to do it, so I have the materials for my art.
Can you tell us about your favorite artwork that you created?
Brisa: The title is Blanket for a see-through house. It was a series of marks and textures painted on paper with industrial paints and different kinds of ink and pigments. I like yung naiwan ko sa paper yung bakas ng paa ko, iyong tsinelas, pati yung movement ng body ko. Ginawa ko yung series na 'to sa floor ng old apartment ko, so pati yung textures ng floor na sali rin sa work. I had fun doing it! I did not expect it to get recognized by academic institutions and win an art award!
As a woman in the arts, what challenges have you faced in carving out space for yourself and your work, and how have you overcome them?
Brisa: At first, I was constantly worried about what others thought about my art. I was hard on myself and always self-critic, like denying that I am a good artist. Then I realized my power—the power of being a woman. For decades, women were not allowed to make art in the Philippines; it was only in 1937 that women were allowed to vote. So imagine the spaces that aren't granted to us. But we are women; we struggle with misogyny and patriarchy every day; those are stories we must tell. Simple as making art and being an artist is an opportunity to release and heal generational traumas. Women must continue to make art for us to reclaim spaces and remember our eternal spirit that is always there forever.
Women have historically been underrepresented in the arts. How have you worked to create opportunities for yourself and other women in the industry?
Brisa: I know I am privileged to be able to study at a good art school for university, which provided plenty of opportunity and connections with the living legends who were there. I am also privileged to have friends from college who like to submit proposals for group exhibitions. One time we got a space in a commercial art gallery, so I made a work for the show. And then suddenly I got an invitation message from the owner of the gallery that my friends couldn't make it to the show; they asked if I could present a solo exhibition in their space. I know I have to trust myself and take it. It's rare to get an offer in the art industry. As a woman, self-doubt is your enemy since historically, female artists have been underrepresented. I took the opportunity to open my first solo exhibition so I can show women artists, too. Let's be brave and do it!
Can you share a time when you felt discouraged in your artistic journey and how you found the strength to persevere and succeed?
Brisa: I want to do so many things at the same time. I want to be a filmmaker; I want to make music, I want to paint large murals, I'm into ikebana, I want to be a yoga teacher, I want to study art therapy, I want to be a mother and many more. I feel discouraged sometimes because time and space in the Philippines are limited and expensive for you to accomplish your dreams of personal growth. When I feel discouraged, I accept my friend's advice, we are multidimensional electromagnetic beings. As a human, we nourish ourselves to expand and do so many things. We don't use it for doing one thing and making a profit out of it. That's what makes you unique and your art unique! so, ayun. Mabuhay ka!
What advice do you have for other women looking to pursue a career in the arts and make a name for themselves in a traditionally male-dominated field?
Brisa: Tuloy lang! There is a space for every art. If you feel discouraged, just breathe in, cry if you want, and exhale. Gently push yourself to keep going. You have the right to be here! You are unique! You are an icon, you are a legend, and you are the moment. Keep on shining!
MORE ABOUT BRISA:
Name: Brisa Amir
IG: fierydaisy_
Favorite food?
Spicy Maguro
Favorite Cocktail?
Amaretto Sour
Favorite comic book character?
I read graphic novels. One of my favorites is A Black Hole by Charles Burns! I have this sexual attraction to the character named Eliza, the lizard queen. She's so powerfully hot, she has a tail!
Favorite film?
Blissfully Yours by Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Favorite Artist?
Catalina Africa!
Favorite music genre?
Dark minimal techno & witch house
music!
Line of a song that fires up your mood?
I'm waiting for it / that green light / I want it!
What is the greatest girl-power thing you ever did in your life?
I think the most girl-power thing I did was being alive in a world where women die! I quote Jenny Holzer, ü