In Residence:
January, 2022

Discipline:
Visual

Country:
Philippines

About

Romson Regarde Bustillo is a Pacific Northwest Artist with a rich, layered background. Born in the Philippines on the large multi-ethnic/multi-faith island of Mindanao, his family immigrated to Seattle in 1978. After high school, he moved into the 619 Building in Pioneer Square and began making work. The late painter Drake Deknatel and mixed media artist Marita Dingus were important influences and mentors during this time.

At an early age, he recognized social constructs as often unjust. In response, he began to travel abroad to explore other norms. First returning to the Philippines to research Filipino Indigenous, colonial era, and contemporary cultures and iconography, followed by extended stays in Europe, Latin America, SE Asia, and Africa to further his artistic and cultural growth. He has taught printmaking for over twenty years. In 2017, he was co-recipient of the Conductive Garboil Grant for, in words of the award, “…engaging audiences outside the aesthetic industrial complex.”

2019 Fellowship Awards
2017 Conductive Garboil Grant
2016 Grants for Artist Projects

TITLE SPATIAL

Romson Regarde Bustillo, with Kadeck Capung—Puppeteer (Dalang)  and Upik Jeyna—Dancer

A study + ritual movement for work in progress resulting from my Bali Purnati Residency, Bali, Indonesia,  2020

This piece approaches the idea of culture continuity witnessed, studied, and felt in the landscape of Bali. The shadow mask is new. It came to me in a waking dream. A conduit of sorts, it carries memories of the culture and spiritual traditions of pre-Abrahamic Philippines, the vibrant traditions of Bali, and the shared heritage of Austronesian peoples.

Our movements where impromptu —organic. Inspired by Baris dance workshops taken with Upik Jeyna and the Pangalay dance of southern Philippines, we attempted to channel ritual movements that would allow a “door” to open. A portal understood metaphysically and as a methaphor for potential.