ARTIST AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZER: MATT MANALO'S JOURNEY IN ART, SUSTAINABILITY & CULTURAL RESILIENCE 

Artist and community organizer, Matt Manalo, graduated from the University of Houston's School of Art in 2011. Since then, he founded the Filipinix Artists of Houston, a collective of visual, performing, literary, culinary and multidisciplinary artists, as well as, the Alief Art House, an alternative space for creation.

Alief Art House is a refurbished, reactivated shipping container on the grounds of the Alief SPARK Park and Nature Center that serves as the space for curated art events, organized by Manalo, in collaboration with other creatives who live and work in Alief. In addition to his community-based work, Matt’s environmentally conscious studio work incorporates raw materials and found objects that tackles ideas surrounding his own identity as an immigrant, displacement, and what it means to define “home."

Manalo’s curiosity and creativity began at an early age. “My journey as an artist is interesting because I feel like I've always been creating. What really inspired me to pursue a career in the arts is just looking back on my childhood. I was outside a lot and always doing things with my hands like digging and playing with clay, building structures with Lego bricks and even experimenting with fire,” he laughed, “so my early experiences of endlessly creating and even sitting in traffic in Manila and watching someone hand paint movie posters on the side of a building on a bamboo made scaffold has always had me curious.” 

When it was time for Manalo to go to college, he decided to pursue computer engineering. “Being an artist wasn't really an option as a career. Especially coming from an immigrant family and living in the Philippines... it just really wasn't something that people pursued,” said Manalo. After spending three years in school studying computer engineering, Manalo moved to Houston. “I went to Houston Community College, and I pursued nursing for a bit and then I realized that it wasn't something that I could envision myself doing for the rest of my life.”  

After a little soul searching, Manalo realized that art is where his heart lies. “Art is something I knew I would enjoy doing even when I’m ninety years old. So, I took every art class imaginable and eventually applied to the painting block program at the University of Houston. Once I was in the program, I never looked back.” 

While at the University of Houston, Manalo would hunt for materials for his work. “I was always at the graduate student’s trash piles, and I would use their scraps as my own because I couldn’t afford what I needed. It opened my eyes to working more sustainably and thinking about how much waste comes out of my studio.” 

Throughout his time in college, Manalo worked at the Blaffer Art Museum as both security and a docent, from there he began to work within galleries and museums for the next ten years. “During this period in my life, I felt very alone because my family and I settled in Alief when we moved to Houston. Being an artist in Alief felt really solitary and that's how Alief Art House came about. In 2019 I was granted Diverse Works’ Project Freeway Fellowship for my proposal to create an art space in Alief that was centered around sustainability and environmental justice. I bought a second-hand shipping container to be the bones of Alief Art House and it’s been thriving ever since,” said Manalo. 

That same year he founded Filipinx Artists of Houston. It was his desire to gain Filipino friends who were in the arts that initiated the collective, but it became so much more than that. “During a Filipino art exhibition at the Asia Society of Texas, I had a conversation with Bridget Bray who was affiliated with the institution at the time. During our conversation, I shared my vision of establishing a thriving community of Filipino artists in Houston. To my delight, Bridget graciously offered us the opportunity to hold a meeting in that very space in 2019. Astonishingly, over 40 individuals responded to the call and attended the gathering. Witnessing such a remarkable turnout left me in awe, realizing the sheer number of Filipino artists yearning for a sense of belonging. In a testament to our collective talent and dedication, Filipinx Artists of Houston earned a prestigious place in the Texas Biennial of 2021. This milestone showcased the exceptional achievements of self-taught artists and those who had never fathomed the possibility of exhibiting their work within the revered halls of a museum. Recently, we proudly unveiled our inaugural Zine, a comprehensive introduction to our purpose and the extraordinary members who form our vibrant community. 

We passionately support one another and actively consider ways to assist each other in advancing our artistic careers. Rather than conforming to the stereotypical themes expected of Filipino artists, we strive to break free and explore a diverse range of subjects in our work. We're not just painters or sculptors — we have poets, we have writers, we have performance artists, we have musicians, even those involved in the culinary arts. Our aim is to bring attention to Filipino artists who not only explore their identities but also create artworks that truly deserve recognition from galleries, museums, and all institutions. We firmly believe that representation alone is insufficient; our mission is to challenge traditional norms and create impactful pieces that demand attention and appreciation. Participating in these spaces and actively contributing our knowledge during pivotal moments in history is mission critical.”  

In his own work, Manalo blends personal narrative and creative exploration and unveils a profound tale of self-discovery and cultural resilience. Through his artwork, he delves into the complexities of his immigrant experience, shedding light on themes of repurposing, identity, and the effects of colonialism. Manalo shared his perspective, offering insight into his creative process and the meaningful connections he forges with organic and found materials. "My work is autobiographical. I see myself as being in the moment, moving into another country, and embracing a new purpose." This perspective fuels his artistic vision, leading him to incorporate organic and found materials as essential elements in his creations. For him, the act of repurposing materials adds another layer of depth and symbolism to his work, reflecting his journey of transformation.  

Manalo’s family journey began with his grandfather, who served as a World War II veteran and subsequently gained access to the US, leading to the establishment of their roots in Houston. By examining his family's history, Manalo broadens the narrative to encompass the far-reaching impact of colonialism on his entire lineage.  

Central to his practice is the act of thrifting, which serves as a means of preserving Philippine-made objects from being forgotten or overlooked in other people's homes. "I aim to rescue these objects and bring them back with me," he emphasized. "In doing so, I also find a sense of belonging and home within them." He further explores the magic of these objects, many of which are crafted to appeal to the tourist mindset, raising thought-provoking conversations about colonialism and its effects. By examining the gaze involved in colonialism and ecotourism, Manalo draws attention to the exoticization of materials and people. His artwork becomes a platform for discussing the enduring impacts of colonialism while encouraging viewers to question preconceived notions and challenge the status quo. 

Another aspect influencing Manalo's artistic choices is the availability of organic materials both in the Philippines and in his current residence, Houston. Drawing parallels between the climates of these two locations, he explores the community and environmental aspects, noting the similarities in rainfall, heat, and humidity. Through his use of bamboo, banana leaves, lemongrass, and various local plant variations, he not only pays homage to his homeland but also connects his immigrant experience to the resilience of nature. "If these plants can thrive here, then I can too," he said. 

Through art, Manalo seeks to initiate dialogue and provoke reflection on these intricate topics. By seamlessly intertwining visual aesthetics with profound narratives, he invites viewers to engage with his work on both emotional and intellectual levels. Each piece becomes a conduit for introspection, fostering a deeper understanding of identity, repurposing, and the enduring effects of colonialism. 

Manalo embraces the challenging task of nurturing sustainable initiatives and confronting funding obstacles, all while maintaining a conscious commitment to creating environmentally just artwork. In a deliberate departure from conventional practices, he skillfully avoids traditional paint and instead employs natural dyes and reclaimed paint from hardware stores, underscoring his dedication to repurposing and minimizing waste.

Furthermore, Manalo's Alief Art House operates sustainably, devoid of electricity or running water, and relies on donated paint to maintain its vibrant aesthetic. "I want to educate and raise awareness," Manalo affirms, highlighting his commitment to incorporating an educational component into his artistic practice. Through workshops at the Alief Art House and collaborations with Art League Houston and schools, he promotes sustainable art practices. "During a recent workshop, we crafted seed bombs using organic clay. Our creative process involved sculpting clay figurines, which we integrated with native seeds. The concept behind these seed bombs lies in their ability to be buried, allowing them to metamorphose into wildflowers that flourish. " 

While Manalo acknowledges the irony of seeking grant funding from an industry conflicting with environmental justice ideals, he remains dedicated to finding alternative avenues. Regarding funding challenges, Manalo raises the question, "How can we divest ourselves from relying on oil and gas money?" He recognizes the need to align financial resources with sustainable practices, stating, "Because Houston is an oil, gas, and energy-driven city, that’s where a lot of the art funding comes from. With the funding that I receive, I use it to make programming that is either educational or headed towards things that are more sustainable." 

As Manalo continues to navigate the complexities of sustainability and funding paradigms, his dedication to creating environmentally conscious art remains unwavering. Through his thought-provoking work and community engagement, he sparks conversations, inspires change, and paves the way for a more sustainable future in the art world and beyond.