The artworks of Philippine-American painter Pacita Abad (1946–2004) span a range of subjects, as she traveled to over 60 countries during her 32-year career -- from globally inspired masks, and portrayals of immigrant life, to colorful abstractions, and dazzling underwater scenes. Pacita came to the United States in 1970 to escape political persecution after leading a student demonstration. Though she became a U.S. citizen in 1994, Pacita lived abroad for many years in Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Sudan, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore. Her global, peripatetic existence is reflected in her artwork that incorporates cultural traditions and techniques. Pacita is best known for her trapuntos, a form of quilted painting made by stitching and stuffing her canvases. She then embellished her canvases with materials and textiles collected on her travels.
"I always see the world through colour, although my vision, perspective and paintings are constantly influenced by new ideas and changing environments. I feel like I am an ambassador of colours, always projecting a positive mood that helps make the world smile." - Pacita Abad
