Pacita Abad

Pacita Abad (Pacita Barsana Abad; 1946 – 2004) was an Ivatan-Filipino Modern painter, who later lived in the USA. Abad was known for her inventive and experimental approach to painting, with her style continuously evolving throughout her career. Her work ranged from figurative and social or political subjects to naturalist themes inspired by her travels to over 80 countries. Abad developed a unique technique called “trapunto” painting, which involved stuffing and stitching her canvases to create a sculptural quality. She incorporated a variety of materials such as ceramic, glass, mylar, fabric, and circuit boards into her mixed media works. Her art was largely influenced by her personal experiences and the indigenous materials and techniques she encountered during her travels.