Mango has always been one of my favorite foods. Hearing stories from my parents while eating Philippine mangoes gave me a feeling of comfort that bridged the gap between my American and Filipino identities.
Today, there is a prominent issue in the Philippines’ overreliance on imported goods due to forced exportation of agricultural products–including mangoes. In some cases, 70% of products are exported internationally, leaving many Philippine citizens hungry and lacking a source of income. This is one of the many ways in which imperialist powers dominate and exploit non-Western countries who are seen only as sources of economic prosperity. It is issues like this that have transformed symbols of pride into symbols of agitation.
“Hands Off!!!” reflects an anti-imperialist sentiment veiled with a childhood nostalgia. Behind the fight for revolution is the joy for my culture and hope for true independence. That pride fuels the ongoing resistance.
2024, reduction linocut, 9″x12″
Asher Perez 