Salima Saway Agra-an, the youngest daughter of Datu Kinulintang — former leader of the Talaandig people in Bukidnon — carries a name imbued with cultural significance. Salima, derived from the Talaandig word alima (hands), symbolises nurturing and care. In the Talaandig epic of the great flood, Salima is the wife of the guardian of the golden jar, a powerful emblem of peace and reconciliation. Reflecting on her name, the artist shares: ‘Because I was given this name, I understand that my father hoped I would take on the role of being the Salima of my generation — to care for our culture and our people.’

Created specifically for the Triennial, her ‘Cultural Fragility’ series of paintings uses ochres sourced from the soil of her ancestral lands in Bukidnon, Mindanao. These richly layered works draw on Talaandig epic chants, mythologies, cultural practices and laws, advocating for the preservation of indigenous ways of life, knowledge, and land stewardship. She describes her use of soil in her paintings as a reminder of indigenous spirituality and humility.

Ugali ng lupa ang tapakan, dumihan, nasa kanya na ang lahat ng bigat, nguni’t ugali nitong kumanlong ng lahat na bagay at buhay, kung hindi siguro’y lahat na bagay ay palutanglutang. Mapagkumbaba ito at bumubuhay. Lahat nakaapak dito ngunit lahat ay makakatayo dahil dito

It’s the characteristic of soil to be stepped on, to be dirtied. The earth carries all the weight, but it continues to nurture and give life. Without the earth to connect to, we will just be floating aimlessly. The earth is humble yet life-giving. All of us step on it, yet all of us are able to stand up because of it.

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