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Marigold Santos

@marigoldasantos

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Studio in Treaty 7 Territory; Mohkinstsis/Calgary
61st International @labiennale
Patel Brown Gallery
Tattoo - [email protected] / no DMs

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𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙙 (𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙨)
2025
32” x 26”
Acrylic, pigment, gesso on canvas

The work in my current exhibition speak to the many different types of labour experienced, such as maternal and parental labour, and how we witness labour of all forms and how we record it. This painting, in many ways references art historical portraits of mother and child, with the mother mantis and her human-esque hands supporting her miniature. Their giant compound eyes with their pseudopupils can visualize with acuity and stereoscopic vision, adapting to their light sources with ease. This hungry mother is all knowing and all seeing.

Undulating waves of meticulously hand-carved solid wood frames the painting, with the forms mimicking the shapes found within the insect.

Bespoke frame by @yrkypk
Documentation @raidendingo
Exhibition text excerpt by @marissa.largo and @chloenp_

𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒑𝒉𝒚𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑬𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 on view @patelbrowngallery until Feb 28.

#marigoldsantos #painting #epiphyticelucidations #patelbrown taken in Patel Brown Gallery by @marigoldasantos

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8 months ago

𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 (6)
2026
11” x 15”
Ink on hand marbled paper

#marigoldsantos #inkdrawing #artsingapore #patelbrown by @marigoldasantos

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7 months ago

Catch this new work in Mexico City with @patelbrowngallery for @mmmmmaterial . My works will be featured alongside new works by @personfrompotluck and @kyleamartens . Fair opens today and runs Feb 6-9 ❤️

𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 (𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜)
2025
31” x 41”
Acrylic, pigment, gesso on canvas

A striated figure with large holes within her body gestures outwardly, while surreal botanical growths erupt from the places where her nipples would be. Her gaze is direct and firm, bloodshot, her face is painted with marks similar to moth antennae. She is placed in an atmosphere void of specificity, and yet feels familiar, like water, sky, whirling clouds or water. As she is solid, she is also organically changing, the striations representing layers of experience, resilience through complexity, movement and topography, and flow. The growths within her and outside of her, are almost their own antenna capturing the movement outside the body to translate within, and to give guidance towards a direction to follow.

Frame by @yrkypk

#marigoldsantos #painting #mexicocity #materialartfair #patelbrown #otherworldly by @marigoldasantos

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2 years ago

Today is my birthday, and as I do, am reflecting on the past year and all that we loved and lived through. Thank you to my fam chosen and blood for all your care. To all the folks who endlessly continue to uplift my practice in every way that you do. ❤️
Thank you to Jared @waltereneuman for the studio portraits taken in the spring. Wearing my fave handloomed dress by @vintagallery

#libra by @marigoldasantos

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5 days ago

🖤FLASH DROP CLOSED🖤 thank you to all who reached out for requests, I will get back to you all asap. 🖤

13 new designs from my most recent ink drawings to be translated to tattoo versions in dotwork. Available in black ink, but also open to solid RED and solid BLUE requests. Favouring sizes between 6” - 11” height.
Open to mirroring design for a symmetrical moment.
Booking between Jan 15-Jan 31, 2027.

To claim, please email marigoldAsantos@gmail.com (note the middle A) with the subject line stating the number of the flash you are requesting (found on the lower right hand side of image). Please indicate where you would like the placement to be and size. No DMs.

As ever, my tattoo practice ensures a responsible, safe, and inclusive space, standing in solidarity with and uplifting BIPOC communities, all gender identities and orientations, does not discriminate against abilities, faiths, economic statuses. All bodies and skin surfaces are welcome and respected.

#marigoldsantos #dotwork #tattoo by @marigoldasantos

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14 days ago

Some cute tattoos I did as trades and customs in the recent past. An abstraction in dotwork for Frances @fksegismundo a NY tattoo angel, Ylang Ylang abstraction for Vince @vinceraquel of the @sansfuccs crew, flower abstractions for Renelyn @renelynquin superhuman movement master who came all the way from TO to see me, and a twisty flower abstraction for Pixel @100mega_pixel , Moko Jumbie extraordinaire!
Thank you for your trust my friends! 🖤

Flash dropping soon for Jan 2027 booking.
Custom books closed.

As ever, my tattoo practice ensures a responsible, safe, and inclusive space, standing in solidarity with and uplifting BIPOC communities, all gender identities and orientations, does not discriminate against abilities, faiths, economic statuses. All bodies and skin surfaces are welcome and respected. 🖤

#marigoldsantos #blackink #tattoo #abstraction #dotwork by @marigoldasantos

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15 days ago

𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 (𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙮𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙝)
2026
60”x80”
Acrylic, pigment, gesso on canvas

Carrying on from my series using the relationship between host and the epiphytes that grow on top of them, to describe the complex relationship between descendants and their ancestors and the labour and effort of the generations proceeding, this new painting describes an entanglement between two figures. They may present as two individuals, or perhaps the same figure repeating. Their bodies are comprised of a pattern common in my work which I use to reference woven elements from the landscape of my homeland Philippines, as well as the conceptual idea of repair and reconfiguration. Atop their heads grow the epiphytes known as staghorn ferns - endangered plants which grow in the rainforests of the Philippines and are threatened by deforestation. The yellow blooms are from a medicinal plant with many names; akapulco, candlebush, and was brought to the Philippines by the colonizers during the Spanish Manila Galleon trade.

Continuing from an ongoing series of portraits that emphasize notions of labour seen and invisible, combined with layers of complex diasporic experiences, these new works for 𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 at @silverlensgallery present narratives from the natural world and the cunning mechanisms for survival woven into the shared realm of ongoing life cycles. The figures become 𝙥𝙨𝙚𝙪𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙝𝙨, embodying and enacting gestures familiar within ourselves, as they appear in the processes of coming together and coming apart. Re-working, and repair, become tenets to self-actualization and empowerment that celebrates expansive and nuanced experiences.

The painting is framed with hand-milled solid wood, duo-tone frame by Yarko Yopyk @yrkypk

Exhibition text by @marissa.largo

𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 is on until Aug 29 @silverlensgallery

#marigoldsantos #painting #silverlensgalleries #newyork taken in Chelsea, New York by @marigoldasantos

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2 months ago

My lovely friend Cara @caratoes came to visit, and among our many adventures, I also freehand tattooed her painting hand in dotwork - what an honour! If you don’t already know this phenom, make sure to check out her work ❤️

For those of you interested in custom, my books are OPEN now to send in requests. Bookings will take place Oct/Nov/Dec/Jan:) new flash will be released next month so stay tuned 🖤

As ever, my tattoo practice ensures a responsible, safe, and inclusive space, standing in solidarity with and uplifting BIPOC communities, all gender identities and orientations, does not discriminate against abilities, faiths, economic statuses. All bodies and skin surfaces are welcome and respected. Masking required🖤

#marigoldsantos #blackink #tattoo by @marigoldasantos

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30

2 months ago

𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 (𝙍𝙝𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙪𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙡𝙞 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙩𝙚𝙨)
2026
60”x43”
Acrylic, pigment, gesso on canvas

Here the sitter crouches, in an environment void of specificity, her body comprised of layered striations used in my work to speak on selfhoods made multiple by the fragmented and hybrid self, common in diasporic lived experience. Sprouting from the negative spaces of her body are stems of epiphytic plants found in the jungles of the Philippines, which continue from the series of work that parallels the labour of our ancestors to the labour of host plants which epiphytes like orchids, grow upon and are supported by the foundational labour of said host plant. With her webbed and suctioned frog hand, she embodies the amphibian atop her head, the harlequin tree frog, also known by its honorary name Rhacophorus rizali, after the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. While in political exile by the colonizers, he studied and collected new specimens, including this tree frog. While being secluded, silenced, and surveilled, he still laboured and contributed to the knowledge of the animals and flora around him, only to be named after him, perpetuating his curiosity, dedication, and voice even further.

Continuing from an ongoing series of portraits that emphasize notions of labour seen and invisible, combined with layers of complex diasporic experiences, these new works for 𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 at @silverlensgallery present narratives from the natural world and the cunning mechanisms for survival woven into the shared realm of ongoing life cycles. The figures become 𝙥𝙨𝙚𝙪𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙝𝙨, embodying and enacting gestures familiar within ourselves, as they appear in the processes of coming together and coming apart. Re-working, and repair, become tenets to self-actualization and empowerment that celebrates expansive and nuanced experiences.

The painting is framed with hand-milled solid wood, duo-tone frame by Yarko Yopyk @yrkypk

Exhibition text excerpt by @marissa.largo

𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 is on until Aug 29 @silverlensgallery

#marigoldsantos #painting #silverlensgalleries #newyork taken in Chelsea, New York by @marigoldasantos

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2 months ago

𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙚 (𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣)
2026
26” x 30”
Acrylic, pigment, gesso on canvas

This portrait features complex layered textures shrouding the figure’s face, suggesting the intertwined notions between lived experience and human existence, and the parallels to uncanny and creative ways of survival in the animal world. The work also address diaspora and labour seen and unseen.

As the title suggests, the layered memories take shape in the form of multicoloured nacre - also known as mother of pearl, and is the substance created by certain mollusks to surround a granular invader to their soft flesh, and through the accumulation eventually becomes a pearl. The metaphor of resilience and creating beauty out of discomfort present in all my work that features nacre in some way. The woven face alludes to the woven textures of my childhood landscapes in the Philippines, calling on a reflection towards banigs, embroideries and woven grasses and fabrics derived from labour intensive processes.

The painting is framed by bespoke hand-carved, solid wood, duo-tone frame sculpture by Yarko Yopyk @yrkypk and functions as an extension of the painting, with the undulating forms mimicking frills and gestures.

𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 is on until Aug 29 @silverlensgallery

#marigoldsantos #painting #silverlensgalleries #newyork taken in Chelsea, New York by @marigoldasantos

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2 months ago

This festival has been moving at the speed of light, and before I do a full recap, I just wanted to drop these photos and say it was sooooooo important to me to bring Sook-Yin Lee and Marigold Santos together for @yycbump 2026 Urban Art Conference.

Two formidable Canadian artists, sitting together and talking about a life in motion - being world builders and breakers, all the art, all the chaos and what it means to remain completely yourself through it all. It was really special to watch Marigold, who has been such a huge admirer of Sook-Yin’s work, get to have this conversation with them on a stage, in front of us all.

My only regret is wearing this extremely narc-coded outfit on this wonderful day. S.O. to @jemmybrech for these fabulous photos - and sorry to everyone I ignored for an hour while I tried to capture this moment and my completely unfiltered joy. by @marigoldasantos

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2 months ago

𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙖 (𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙨𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚)
2026
26” x 30”
Acrylic, pigment, gesso on canvas

Continuing from an ongoing series of portraits that emphasize notions of labour seen and invisible, combined with layers of complex diasporic experiences, these new works for 𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 at @silverlensgallery present narratives prioritizing mental health when considering self-care in relation to motherwork, and has created deep and nuanced avenues to explore.

A striated figure, dressed in the oversized pleated sleeves of a filipiñana camisa terno, is enacting self-care with a collagen mask on her face. Her expression is circumspect, and her arm exiting the frame, enters again on the far left, to rest on her own back. The ability to self-soothe is a skill we associate with early infant behaviour as a way to regulate, without the direct contribution from another. A mode of independence and first act of self-care, which we continue into adulthood in more complex ways, and often times forfeited in lieu of another pressing priority/responsibility. Collagen, a substance created by the human body necessary for the strength of bones and muscles, depletes over time with age, and the replenishing of it becomes a topic alongside other anti-aging procedures. This painting reflects on the labour of the body in time, using the proteins derived from the labour of the animal world (marine and bovine collagen etc) to lessen the inevitable effects of aging. How we approach the passing of time and how labour is acknowledged and intertwined.

The painting is framed by bespoke hand-carved, solid wood, duo-tone frame sculpture by Yarko Yopyk @yrkypk and functions as an extension of the painting, with the undulating forms mimicking frills and gestures.

𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 is on until Aug 29

#marigoldsantos #painting #silverlensgalleries #newyork by @marigoldasantos

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74

2 months ago