“We use art to highlight the dignity and humanity of domestic workers. We create a safe space to be together.” Renalou Cabuyadao is explaining what Pinta Kultura does in Amman, Jordan. The art collective offers a place for artistic engagement and connection, especially for women, who make up the majority of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Jordan.
“The women come from the Philippines, Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia,” says Renalou. Through doing art, they express themselves and lessen some of the pressures they may face in their daily lives and at work, especially being so far from home. Being able to talk, and then channel their stories into images and drawings, is an essential form of empowerment.
Renalou explains that she came into the collective through her role as a community worker in Jordan. As a Filipina migrant worker for many years, she has been involved in various projects including one that brings together the children of MDW for art-making and learning about Filipino culture and language.
Believing in yourself
“I am not a (professional) painter or artist or drawer. I do some basic art. But the most important thing to do is motivate people to express themselves. Usually people hesitate to hold the brushes and the pencils. But once they have a narrative, a personal connection, they can create an art piece. They believe they can create an art piece,” she says. “And that they can express their feelings.”
The Pinta Kultura art collective was born during the Covid pandemic, and evolved from the group that was working with art and the children of MDWs. Recognising the need for a space for (mainly) women reflect on issues affecting the MDW community, including mental health topics, the group began expressing themselves through art.
They have subsequently collaborated with Jordanian artists on projects, including a famous muralist. Pinta Kultura worked on a mural – the first done by Filipino people in Jordan – which talked about both migrant workers and Filipino icons. Renalou also participated in a street art series of text message bubble murals that tell the story of three Filipina migrant domestic workers, in both Arabic and Filipino.
The Philippine Embassy in Jordan, together with Pinta Kultura, showcased Philippine culture and heritage through an art exhibit entitled “Gawang Pamana”. Renalou was also invited by GAATW-IS to facilitate an artivism workshop in Bangkok. Pinta Kultura is active partners with Migrant Workers Office-OWWA Jordan- Philippines, IOM and the American Bar Association, with whom they have run workshops and/or exhibited.
Working with IFWEA
More recently, Pinta Kultura collaborated with IFWEA for an online artivism workshop.
“It was our first time doing this online. In the beginning we were scared, but Nina (Langit-Garcia, IFWEA Educator) and the others guided me through it all. They didn’t leave me in the space to do it alone. When we started, I also had my colleague with me. Collaboration is very important, within the group,” says Renalou.
Such was the success of the workshop that more are planned. “We are very motivated to do more of these things, to share with the world, which you can do online. Others have seen what we did with IFWEA, and they are interested in engaging with us. We can also focus on other types of learnings, such as communication skills,” says Renalou.
Ultimately, Pinta Kultura provides a sanctuary and outlet for expression, allowing individuals to share their stories and emotions through art. “The most important thing is the conversation and the discussion – how you express your feelings and your story,” says Renalou.
Pinta Kultura will be starting a Study Circle this year, in collaboration with IFWEA.