As an international student from the Philippines, starting a new chapter of my life in the U.S. has been a journey of discovery, adaptation, and introspection. It’s a privilege to study Global Affairs at Rice University, but equally rewarding is my recent role as a gallery guide at the Moody Center for the Arts. This position has allowed me not only to immerse myself in the vibrant art scene of Houston but also to reflect on themes of identity and belonging, ideas central to Do Ho Suh’s exhibition In Process, which runs until December 21, 2024.
Before joining the Moody, I had no prior experience in art whatsoever. Initially, I considered working at the Rice Recreation Center, Fondren Library, or even Housing and Dining. But something about the gallery guide position at the Moody intrigued me. I thought that working there might help me understand art better and, through that, gain a deeper insight into myself. And I was right. This role has broadened my perspective in ways I hadn’t imagined, allowing me to connect my personal experiences as an international student to the art I engage with every day.
One thing that stands out about Moody is that all the gallery guides, like myself, are students. Each one of us has our own unique story, and we bring that richness into our interactions with the visitors. These different perspectives, combined with our shared curiosity about art, create a diverse, engaging atmosphere where we all learn from one another.
Do Ho Suh’s work resonates deeply with me, particularly his exploration of the concept of home. As an international student, I constantly navigate the fluid boundaries between my life in the Philippines and my experiences in the U.S. Suh’s The Bridge Project stands out as a perfect metaphor for this duality, blending cultural, emotional, and physical landscapes. The bridge, much like my own journey, symbolizes transition, connection, and the complex negotiation between different worlds.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this exhibition is that it’s the first time Do Ho Suh has revealed his creative process to the public. Typically, art exhibits showcase finished works, but In Process is unique in that it presents an ongoing dialogue between the artist, his collaborators, and the evolving artwork itself. Do Ho invites visitors to experience how his ideas take shape, from the initial spark to the final form. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with an artist’s method in such a raw, experimental setting.
One piece I find particularly fascinating is Blueprint (2010). Suh uses fabric to create delicate architectural structures, recreating spaces he’s lived in throughout his life. These translucent fabric installations evoke a sense of "ghostly space," where physical spaces are reimagined through soft materials that flow and shift, much like the fleeting nature of memory. As I walk through Blueprint, I am reminded of how memories of home, while intangible, can be recreated in vivid detail, almost as if they are physically present.
Suh’s use of fabric highlights the ephemerality of these recreated spaces, underscoring how memory, much like the gauzy, translucent material he uses is intangible yet still holds a powerful presence. The intricate, lifelike structures bring out an emotional depth that speaks to anyone who has ever left home. As an international student who often reflects on my own memories of home in the Philippines, Suh’s work reminds me that while I can’t physically return to those spaces, I can recreate them in my mind as an ever-present connection to my past.
Moody's decision to host this innovative exhibition is a testament to the institution’s forward-thinking approach to art. Visitors can actively engage with the exhibit by contributing to Do Ho’s Artland, a sculptural landscape where they can create characters from non-toxic air-dry clay, echoing Do Ho’s theme of collaborative creation. This interactive aspect makes the exhibit an evolving experience rather than a static display, much like my own journey as an international student, constantly evolving, shaped by new people, places, and ideas.
Working at Moody has also enriched my experience at Rice by allowing me to meet people from various fields and even different countries, mirroring Suh’s cross-disciplinary collaborations. Every day, I encounter visitors with unique backgrounds, perspectives, and stories, which adds an element of excitement and learning to my job. It reminds me of the importance of shared experiences and how art can bridge cultural divides, something I experience firsthand as I adapt to life in Houston.
If you haven’t yet visited the Moody Center for the Arts, I highly recommend it, especially this fall. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the mind of Do Ho Suh, an artist whose work tackles universal themes of identity, home, and belonging. His use of fabric to recreate spaces highlights the delicate tension between memory and physical space, showing how we can hold onto our past even as we move forward. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, this exhibit provides a unique opportunity to engage with art in an intimate and interactive way.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking experience. It’s a journey worth taking, much like the bridges we build between cultures, ideas, and people!
About the author:
Nathaniel Angelo Uy is from the Philippines and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Global Affairs at Rice University. He earned his B.A. in Social Sciences (Area Studies) from the University of the Philippines Manila in 2022, graduating Cum Laude. Nathaniel is actively working to strengthen the connection between Rice University and the Filipino community, aiming to increase Filipino representation at Rice.
Further Reading:
10 Networking Tips for Grad Students Who Aren’t Extroverts
Beyond Fondren: Exploring Hidden Book Corners at Rice
Time Management as a Ph.D. Student