Matt Manalo

My name is Matt Manalo. I am a Manila, Philippines-born and currently residing in Houston artist and community organizer. My main work talks about colonialism and constantly redefining what “home” should or could be. I use organic and reclaimed materials in my work to express my personal immigrant experience living in the United States. I like to think or imagine ways an artist can contribute to the ongoing environmental crisis and put it into practice with the space I run called the Alief Art House.

At the Alief Art House, we use a pre-loved shipping container where it can be used as a community gathering space as well as a venue to make art accessible in communities, especially in Alief, which is considered the most diverse neighborhood in Houston. It sits in the middle of a community garden and is neighbors with the Shamba Ya Amani farm, so we also try to cultivate a healthy practice of growing our own art materials in the space. The Alief Art House also houses a living mural which serves as an evolving community project where the colors and textures of the mural go with the environment’s climate as well as what is in season.

I believe that my practice aligns with Fernland Studios’ mission and vision because I am prioritizing environmental justice as well as thinking of ways where we can make our communities accessible and sustainable while being involved in play and creativity.