Artist and writer, Alyssa Powell-Ascura, is an inspiring and ambitious young woman, who is determined to create and sustain an artistic career that transcends stereotypical barriers. Blending her Filipino and Australian heritage into her art installations, Alyssa will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with across the local art scene.
Prudence was lucky enough to catch Alyssa for a chat about all things art, cultural collaboration, and her enthusiasm for good food.
Firstly, could you tell me a little bit about yourself and your passions in life?
My name is Alyssa Powell-Ascura. A self-titled “slashie” — I am an emerging artist and writer, with dreams to build a multi-hyphenated career for myself across various mediums ranging from visual arts, writing, audio and digital media. I grew up in an Australian context, with a Filipino- Italian-Australian extended family and this has undoubtedly shaped aspects of who I am. Reconnecting to my indigenous cultural roots and exploring my various identities, is a consistent theme of my creative work.
Being a part of a huge family, with strong, powerful matriarchs within the family dynamic, I am inspired to lead and cultivate pathways to involve myself with the community, in a nurturing and caring role and I’d love to one day combine my advocacies with my passion for the arts. I’m also a huge Filipino food enthusiast and nature lover, so be sure to invite me to your next food gathering.
In what ways do you feel a connection with the Gold Coast?
I grew up between Yugambeh and Bundjalung country, which encompasses parts of the Northern Rivers and South East QLD. Growing up in coastal Australia has made me strive to live a mindful, healthy life, with a strong focus on healing, particularly as I navigate my identity within the diaspora.
My personal belief regarding our interconnectedness to nature, drives me to raise more of an awareness for better care of our lands. As settlers on Indigenous land, I will always acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands and waters of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This region has some of the most relaxed, healthy, socially and environmentally aligned communities, and this is a lifestyle and attitude I truly appreciate. The abundance of nature reserves and water holes was always the setting for my upbringing and carving out time for myself in nature is something I try to incorporate in my life, wherever I may be.
How would you describe your art?
My motto, when it comes to creating, is to reclaim identity through creativity. There are moments when I’m conflicted between my Filipino ethnicity and Australian nationality. As a young artist, it can be challenging to find ways to integrate the rich history of my own Indigenous ancestors in the Philippines, with own personal narrative as a Filipina Australian.
As I continue navigating what it means to be in the diaspora, one thing I have realised is that it is a privilege to have access to cultural legacies and information. I don’t believe that one individual can accurately represent a larger group of people, so I make a point of not being limited because of my background. Although the themes of my art are inspired by my cultural roots, my work is largely a reflection of who I am.
The creative industry on the Gold Coast, and Australia in general, is blooming and I want to be a part of the growing creative movement and shape the landscape for future young Australian artists like me, especially those who may come from diverse or migrant backgrounds.
Could you tell our readers about your current installation?
‘Alyssa’s Sari Sari Store’ was a part of ‘Arts in The Alley’, an Arts Festival presented by Cavill Lane, in Surfers Paradise. My concept for this public art installation was to champion small business owners, but also transport people to the Philippines, where my grandmother once owned a convenience store/takeaway restaurant hybrid. In essence, sari-sari stores are small general stores where the whole community can buy their everyday goods and services. Usually family-owned and operated, they are the backbone of grassroots micro-economies. They not only provide the community with essentials, but they also are the main hub for people to meet up and connect with others, usually over a snack (or two!).
How did it go?
It was so lovely to honour my grandmother’s legacy through immersive art and give visitors the chance to experience it for themselves. Some people actually thought it was a real store! It was a great arts festival and a very successful event, which also gave me the opportunity to connect with other locals and visitors, who talked about similar stores from their own countries.
It is such a valuable experience creating pieces that become conversation starters and I hope to continue making art that is representative of the diverse communities that make up the beautiful continent we live on.
Why do you love reading Blank and why did you include it in your installation?
Ever since I was a kid, I have seen copies of Blank magazine scattered across the coast. For me, Blank is an institution, so it deserved a place within ‘Alyssa’s Sari-Sari Store’. It’s so wonderful to have a free magazine championing the arts, events, the people and the region. It’s also where I find about where I can go for a cheeky boogie or discover new eateries to check out.
What do you do when you're not making art installations?
I come from a family of keen cooks and as a result, food has always been something I’ve been drawn to. I’m a (cereal) serial eater and love trying new cuisines and learning about people and culture. If I am not talking to the local Aunties and writing about food and culture, I can also be found reading or painting by the beach and patting puppies who stop to say hello.
What does the rest of the year and 2023 hold for you?
During October 6–16th 2022, I will be presenting another art installation, titled, ‘Alaga’, as part of the Nature Festival, South Australia. ‘Alaga’ means ‘to care’ or ‘take care’ in Tagalog, and it is very fitting, as most communities in the world, especially Indigenous communities, see Mother Nature as a living, breathing presence we need to take care of.
My Patreon will be launching at the same time as ‘Alaga’, which will give viewers an insight to my thought processes, inspiration and more, so for more details, check out my website.
I am also hoping to bring ‘Alyssa’s Sari-Sari Store’ to life once again, so keep an eye out as it might pop up somewhere on the coast in the near future.
For more details, or to see some of Alyssa’s work, head to roseandcitrus.com/aly or find her on Instagram @alyssapowell @roseandcitrus