SOMALAKAS, Artists in Conversation features Artistic Director and Choreographer Alleluia Panis, Writer and Poet Oscar Peñaranda and Photographer Joe Ramos in conjunction with the latter’s current photo exhibit, SOMALAKAS: The Strength of SOMA at Bindlestiff Studio.

For over 5 decades each of these artists have contributed and shaped the arts in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond through a critical and emphatic lense, respectively. With 3 very different mediums, they’ve documented and shared the Filipino-American experience through movement, written word and still images. Panis, Peñaranda and Ramos will discuss topics relating to the state of community arts then and now, process and cultural equity.

The evening will begin with a short presentation by Joe Ramos providing context for his body of work as it relates to his current photo exhibit,  SOMALAKAS: The Strength of SOMA, that features a few Filipino residents, workers, artists and community organizations of SOMA Pilipinas, the Filipino Cultural Heritage District. The documentation of these individuals and groups is part of  SOMA Pilipinas’ larger awareness and cultural celebration campaign. The 3 contemporaries will then be in conversation for the bulk of the program followed by a short Q&A.

Artists, arts enthusiasts, fans and all are welcome at this free event where light refreshments will be provided. This is an opportunity to see the photo exhibit SOMALAKAS: The Strength of SOMA before it closes on January 30th, 2019.