Unfiltered

Performance artist Paolo Dumlao breaks free from labels, standards and genres, and bares all in service of unbridled self-expression

Interview by Patrick Kasingsing

Since I was little, I’ve liked being on stage – not because I love the spotlight but because I’m able to express myself [up there]. I’ve always been a part of the school drama club, or anything na kailangan ng performance or performing arts. Then in college, I read something about Marina Abrahamovic that inspired me. I was in awe of how she does her art. Doon ko nalaman ‘yung difference ng performing arts and performance art; the former is when you’re using your body as the vessel to create a character that is already developed by text or choreography.

I started doing nude art, as in nude art talaga yung jump ko. It’s my most vulnerable form, my purest form. I don’t have a guy’s ideal body type; I’m lanky. I’m very insecure [about that], but when I’m in the nude, I’m able to relate more to people. Ang comparison ko sa kanya is like that of an unborn child. When we were born, we were naked, and we don’t give malice to an unborn child. It’s the same for when I perform in the nude. Why would you give malice to a naked, 23-year old guy? The things that are malicious, the things that are taboo, are dictated by society.

Kryss Rubio

“I always tell people that whatever problem you have right now, regardless of your sexuality or your social class, they are all valid.”

I recall the first time my parents saw me perform in the nude. I’ve been doing this for a long time and last year lang nila ako napanood. Kasi ang lagi nilang comment sa akin: Ine-exploit ka. Baka naman pornography ‘yung ginagawa mo. I was fed up. Sabi ko sa kanila, “I have a performance art act in UP. I’ll be one of the last performers. Go. It’s free. Watch me perform. Go home after.” They did. And noong pumunta sila at nakita nila ginagawa ko, they said, “Ah, kaya pala.” They realized that I’m not exploiting myself and that I am always careful.

Uncover more of Paolo Dumlao's story and art in our Unbroken issue.