“Tahanan,” the Tagalog word for “home,” can be anywhere for millions of Filipinos around the world: whether in the Philippines, the United States, or the many other countries to which they have immigrated. With immigration comes feelings of fear and displacement, and immigrants often embrace old traditions to help overcome adversity and feel closer to their heritage.
For Filipinos, one of those traditions is the paról—ornamental stars that are hung near the front of the home, to be seen by visitors and passers-by. Not only have they become a symbol for the Christmas season, but also a symbol of solidarity in the Filipino community. The paról connects them through shared experience and signals, “A Filipino lives here.” Whether homemade or store-bought, it’s a tradition that Filipino immigrants have brought with them into the diaspora—a relic of their upbringing that makes their adoptive countries feel more like home.
This holiday season, artist Jaana Baker transforms the exhibition space of the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles into a colorful, illuminated celebration of the Filipino-American experience with her large-scale installation “Tahanan: Home Is Where Your Paról Is.”
Admission is free with RSVP. Light refreshments provided
RSVP – TAHANAN: HOME IS WHERE YOUR PARÓL IS
Jaana Baker is multi-disciplinary artist based in Southern California. She works primarily as a painter and photographer, but her work also delves into installation and soft sculpture. She earned her B.F.A. in Drawing and Painting from California State University Fullerton.
In 2021, she won the coveted solo show spot at the Brea Gallery’s “Made in California” exhibit, where she exhibited “Poppies and Sampaguitas,” a body of work which focused on exploring her identity as a Filipino-American woman.
In addition to her work in the fine arts, Jaana is also a published illustrator and photographer, and loves to design textile patterns for her online shop. She also loves plein air painting, and she considers it an integral part of her art practice.
Currently, she is working from her studio in the arts district in Santa Ana, California.
SCHEDULE
6:00 PM – DOORS OPEN
7:00 PM – Welcoming
7:15 PM – Performance by Kayamanan Ng Lahi
9:00 PM – End of event
The exhibition can be viewed during events and at the following times:
During Office Hours: November 2nd -December 22nd, 2023
Tuesdays–Thursdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fridays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
NOTE: The Goethe-Institut will be closed on November 10th in obeservance of Veteran’s Day and November 23rd – 24th for Thanksgiving.
Public transport is possible with the red line to MacArthur Park/Westlake stop. Using carpool or ride-share options are appreciated.
Secure, free Parking is available at Metro/Retail parking structure located at
674 S. Westlake Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90057
Tahanan: Home Is Where Your Paról is presented as part of the Neighborhood Interpretive Center, a hyperlocal initiative of cultural programs that focus on and uplift the MacArthur Park/Westlake neighborhood and surrounding areas.