Text and Photo by Gabriel Emmanuel Solamo/StoryLab
Recognizing indigenous and vernacular expressions as integral to queer history, the fifth iteration of the Descendants art exhibit highlights how different art forms and everyday encounters can preserve historically forgotten stories of queer communities.
The exhibit officially opened on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Jose T. Joya Gallery, carrying the theme “Archives of Feelings.”
According to its exhibition statement, the event seeks to subvert the notion that only written records constitute official accounts and instead recognizes different art forms as archives of queer history.
“Queer art is ourselves, to unearth as a form of tribute, as a form of homage to queer people who have come before us, and to ensure that queer life and identities become more open and acceptable,” said Descendants V curator Jay Nathan Jore in his opening remarks.
Jore also emphasized that exhibitions like Descendants V provide students with opportunities to create art drawn from their own experiences without fear, reflecting on how queer individuals in the past had to conceal their identities.
The opening event also featured performances by Ballroom Culture of Cebu and UP Cebu drag artist Sheng Mai, where dance and movement served as expressions of collective identity.
Joining the celebration were UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar, Jose T. Joya Gallery Director Greys Compuesto, students, faculty, and alumni.
First staged in 2019, Descendants is an art exhibition that brings together artists from the Visayas to showcase queer experiences, which are historically excluded from Philippine art.
Descendants V: Archives of Feelings remains open to the public through October 20, 2026.