This augmented reality (AR) project presents an orasyon ~ a special prayer, incantation or mantra that is recited before battle as a protective armor. It is a tradition in Filipino Martial Arts as a psychological tool used to attain invincibility in combat and for self-defense. It is believed to have magical powers that enables the user to do unbelievable feats, such as withstand bullets and weapon attacks, as well as heal injuries.
This Orasyon was co-authored by the Chrysalis Kali Collective in 2021 and includes contributions by founder Kristen Cabildo, Katrina Cabanban, Princess Manuel, Noelle de la Paz, Nicole Reyes, Ezza Valdez, and exhibiting artist, Caroline Garcia. This collective of Filipinas/Filipinxs have gathered since 2018 to train in Filipino Martial Arts under the mentoring of Cabildo, specifically with a focus on decolonization through practice and embodiment. They predominantly train in Kali (also known as Arnis or Eskrima) which emphasizes weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, and bladed weapons, as well as “open hand” techniques without weapons. For this project, Garcia facilitated writing workshops to collaboratively create this text to address the collective’s needs in the culture of today’s socio-political landscape.
A special thank you to Tommy Martinez for the AR programming design and consultancy on this app; to the Chrysalis Kali Collective for holding me in this practice with an openness to collaboration; and to Unlimited Martial Arts in Brooklyn for providing us with a space to train, discuss, and write.
Force Field was commissioned by Montclair State University Galleries.
In loving memory of my Mum, Imelda.