“Oras Na” is an art installation and tsinelas-making workshop created by artist Karl Orozco for the Little Manila community in Woodside, Queens to celebrate Philippine Independence Day on June 12. During the workshop, participants will customize tsinelas or flip-flops using elements found on highly-valued sneakers. The making of the tsinelas are an invitation to reflect on the ways footwear has been symbolic of different forms of leadership throughout Philippine history. From the myth of hero Jose Rizal sacrificing his tsinelas, to the infamous shoe collection of former first lady Imelda Marcos, to the “tsinelas leadership” popularized by politician Jesse Robredo, Orozco reminds us it’s time—or “oras na” in Tagalog—to consider the paths we walk and how we get there.
To support the conversation around leadership as it relates to the local Little Manila community, Filipino community organizations—National Alliance for Filipino Concerns-Northeast and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations-New York Chapter—will be present to discuss the current issues and needs of the local Filipino community and to encourage civic engagement, including in the upcoming NYC primary election.
Alongside the project will be the installation of modern bahay kubo or nipa hut called The Art Home, created by architect duo Sabrina Herbosa Reyes and Antonio Rivera of Almasphere.
The event will take place on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the 65th Place triangle on Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, Queens. The art activation begins at 2pm and the workshops begin at 3pm. There will be three 45-min workshop sessions, with up to 8 participants per session. Online registration guarantees a spot, but walk-ins are welcome if there is space available. The event is free and open to the public.
> REGISTER FOR THE TSINELA WORKSHOP
> VIEW THE “ORAS NA” ZINE
> VIEW THE ART HOME
> ABOUT
For more information, please email us at lmq.arts@gmail.com.