Martha Atienza is a multidisciplinary artist who resides on Bantayan Island, north of Cebu Island, within the large archipelago of the Philippines. Often collaborating with her brother Jake, who is an academic, as well as diverse resident community groups, Atienza's practice in video, photography, and video, is focused on "the people, the sea, and the land". She is passionate about galvanizing support for local fisherfolk as well as advocating for further marine-protected areas along the coastline, which is suffering from erosion. Recently, Atienza established the Adlaw sa mga Mananagat Bantayan (Fisherfolks Day). This festival seeks to represent 37 fishing communities in one ecosystem; by being on the water together, fisherfolk stories are shared with deeper respect. At Frieze, Atienza positions Antonio Dacomos Turib as the protagonist of her meditative video, Tigpanalipod (The Protector) 11°02'06.4" N 123°36'24.1" E, 2022. See www.goodland.ph for more details on the delicate relationship between labour, governance, tourism, and the environment on Bantayan.
Sandhini Poddar