Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan

Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, originally from the Philippines and now based in Brisbane, Australia, are a collaborative duo whose art practice centers around themes of family, community, and relationships. Their work is rich with concepts of 'home' and 'belonging'.

Our consultancy team in Australia collaborated closely with the artists to bring the curatorial vision for 'Bound' to life. This collaboration focused on human migration, community formation, and emotional connections. Commissioned by JDH Capital for Sirius Sydney, the artwork aims to symbolize unity through collections of found and personal objects, each with its own history and memory.

The installation 'Bound' delves into the complexities of migration, settlement, and belonging. The title 'Bound' has many layers, suggesting destinations and journeys, connections between people or groups, and also restrictions and constraints. By using luggage as a powerful metaphor, the artwork evokes personal narratives and collective identity, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own stories of arrival and belonging. The curatorial rationale, "Finding Utopia and Identity in the Antipodes," builds on themes such as the Indigenous relationship to the site, the layered history of The Rocks, and the memory of social housing. UAP enhanced these themes to create an artwork that reflects the past and can impact the future.

Our technical designers compiled the 3D model that formed the structure of the suitcases. The pattern was milled, and our patternmakers then added rope, handles, and latches to the form. Our foundry team cast the 22 bronze pieces, which were reassembled and welded together by our fabricators. Finally, our finishers cleaned up the welds, retextured the rope, and applied patina to complete the piece.

'Bound' stands as a testament to the universal human experiences of journeys, connections, and the search for belonging. It highlights roots, shared land stewardship, and the formation of a new, inclusive community.