Multidisciplinary Artist
Anna-Marie Gallares
Degree Show 2023: A Year In My Life
Moving from the Philippines to England at seven was a turning point in my life. A Year In My Life reflects on that first year, its curiosity, challenges, and cultural adjustment, through a painted tapestry incorporating Filipino-inspired patterns, tattoo motifs, and elements from childhood photographs.
Size: 1.37 m (4.5ft) x 5.49 m (18ft)
Material: Acrylic paint, oil pastel on canvas
Solo Show 2022: Stolen
Stolen responds to the construction of a new sports hub in Blakelaw Park, Newcastle, which led to the demolition of the local skatepark despite young people’s opposition. The work highlights how their voices were overlooked in a project intended to benefit the community.
Stolen treasures
Sculpture – Painted wooden blocks with lino prints and a loosely placed braided net on a table.
The coloured blocks represent what young people value, and the audience is invited to take a block. I worked with students to develop tote bag designs for their Year 11 prom, selecting eight designs and turning them into lino stamps to print on the blocks. The net, meant to hold the blocks, has large holes, allowing them to be taken, creating an ironic contrast between protection and accessibility.
Currently at Blakelaw...
Five A1 Grayscale photographs – Edited on Photoshop + Newspaper Article + Quotes from young people with Posca pens on acetate
I documented Blakelaw Park after the construction of the sports hub, including the removal of the skatepark and playground. The photos were edited to grayscale to reflect what was lost, while bright quotes on acetate share the experiences and memories of the young people who used the park.
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Photo 1 - Closed Off
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Photo 2 - Where the Skatepark Stood
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Photo 3 - Construction Close-Up
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Photo 4 - Metal Foundations
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Photo 5 - Lost Playground
Timeless Skatepark
Digital GIF – Edited photograph, Photoshop, Wacom tablet
This GIF reflects the former skatepark in Blakelaw, a key hangout for local young people. I digitally drew 17 frames showing the skatepark gradually rebuilding, paired with a quote: “It’s the best in Blakelaw.” The loop plays forwards to reconstruct the skatepark and rewinds to show it as a pile of dirt, highlighting its loss to the community.
“How does it feel to lose?”
Reused Fence painted white - Projector, Nails, Red yarn, Posca Pens and Acrylic paint.
Write down your feelings of loss.
The experience of something important is taken away from you for others’ gain.
Negative emotions turned into harsh acceptance.
“How does it feel to lose?”
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Games
I chose the three games of Snakes and Ladders, 3InARow and Checkers. These games rotated during the week of the exhibition. All ages can participate as the games included are playable for all ages.
First-year Class Exhibition 2021: My Family Portrait
My identity blends Filipino and British cultures. Moving to the UK in 2008, my Filipino roots were shaped through my family. My Family Portrait reflects our pride and the struggles of migration through a familiar family photograph.
Materials: Acrylic paint, oil pastel and Posco pens
Size: 1.46m x 1.78m
