‘Malas’
by Layla Al Rayes
24 February 2021
Gouache and Ink on Smooth 300 GSM Watercolour Paper
29.7x42cm

Part of the ’SAMA-SAMA’ Series

‘Malas’ means ‘bad luck’ in Tagalog. In this piece you see a young woman concentrating on her work in a factory. Her eyes show that she is still alert and aware of her surroundings. She stands by a red ladder, conscious and careful of the ‘malas’ this could bring her if she caught herself crossing under the ladder. A lot of Filipinos, especially older communities, are very superstitious. These cautionary tales would typically be retold to their young ones and persist as habits of memory.

‘Opo’
by Layla Al Rayes
22 February 2021
Gouache and Ink on Smooth 300 GSM Watercolour Paper
29.7x42cm

Part of the ’SAMA-SAMA’ Series

"Opo" is used as a term of respect in Tagalog, typically used in place of "yes" when asked a question by an elderly person or someone of authority. This is a scene of a woman carefully listening and taking notes, possibly from an elder or a superior. The soundscape of this piece would be punctuated with utterances of ‘Opo’, showing the importance of hierarchy in interactions.

‘In a Pensive Mood’
by Layla Al Rayes
18 February 2021
Gouache and Ink on Smooth 300 GSM Watercolour Paper
29.7x42cm