Threads of Place and Memory

Words Marz Aglipay
April 16, 2024

“Picking Marigolds during Noon,” 2023, 6 x 5 ft, oil on canvas.

In the intricate world of textile art, Nicole Tee’s work emerges as a poignant exploration of memory, place, and the tactile legacy of sewing. While many approach sewing for its practical benefits or as a hobby, it inherently demands a level of patience, precision, and dedication that contrasts sharply with today’s rapid pace of life. A mid-career artist with a Fine Arts degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Tee was mentored by renowned artists such as Jonathan Olazo, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, and Leo Abaya, known for their innovative use of alternative mediums. This eclectic background paved the way for her initial forays into video and photography, but it is her unique textile creations that distinguish her body of work.

“I started using threads and textiles since there was an abundance of them in my home. These were mostly hand- me-down fabrics from my paternal grandmother who gave it to my mom, or materials that my mom was keeping, supposedly for her future homemaking projects,” Tee tells Art+ Magazine in an interview.

Picking Marigolds during Noon - Pounded flowers on textile - 24.5 x 24.5 inches - 2023

By transcending the utilitarian roots of sewing, Tee transforms her familiarity with the tradition in the context of home- making into a rich source of inspiration, to explore deeper themes that go beyond the idea of its material being closely asso- ciated to craft. Her art is not merely about the act of sewing, but a narrative thread that weaves together the personal and the universal, turning the focus towards the rich tapestry of human experience shaped by threads of place and memory.

Mommy and Me: A Collaborative Embroidery Series
Nicole Tee’s series, Mommy and Me, showcases embroidery work created in collaboration with her mother, highlight- ing their distinct approaches to sewing. “While there’s an unwritten rule that the back of embroidery should be as neat as the front, my mom and I took on the same design with differing outcomes,” Tee explains. Using identical designs, threads, and instructions, the series reveals the contrasting execution between mother and daughter—the mother’s work is impeccably neat on the back sides, while Tee’s is notably messier. This contrast underscores the unique shared activity and forms the basis of the series’ name, inspired by matching outfits designed for mothers and daughters, and reflecting their individual differences within a shared bond.

Threads of Place and Memory

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