Magnify – get to know Rizcel Gagawanan

Continuing our announcements of the artists in Magnify, our third artist interview is with emerging writer Rizcel Gagawanan. Rizcel teams up with Mark Mariano in Magnify, in a collaborative writing process exploring Filipino-Australian stories and literature practices.How has the lockdown impacted your creative process?

This lockdown has made me feel more isolated but also the most connected with my fellow artists and collaborators. Not being able to be in space with each other has forced us to find other ways to continue to work together but has also made me conscious of the ways we need to prioritise care and rest to avoid fatigue especially during a time where artists continue to produce work despite a lockdown. My work is very process-driven and I’m learning in this lockdown that being mindful of each other’s needs in a time of crisis is part of the work and leads to unexpected discoveries and growth. I have learned to prioritise my wellbeing, allow space for reflection and consciousness about my work and put more trust into the process, myco-creators and myself and be open to possibilities.

What are your thoughts and how do you feel about participating in Magnify as an emerging artist?

I feel very privileged to be participating in the development for Magnify 2022. As an emerging artist, it’s still a challenge for me to be completely confident in my work. The opportunity to work with fellow artists like myself and being supported by Blacktown Arts Centre has given me the space and agency to discover my voice and define it for myself.

What can people look forward to about your artwork in Magnify?

Mark Mariano and I are collaborating on a theatre performance piece about secrets, lies and family. Despite the work being written by and about Filipino characters due to our own cultural backgrounds we hope audiences who aren’t Filipino or from Blacktown can relate to the themes we’re exploring. Every family has a secret, right?