(spoiled) milk and honey, 2018
(spoiled) milk
you left the milk to curdle in the fridge
behind all the things you thought were more important,
which were nothing more than rotten vegetables.
now you’re cleaning this all out
wondering how you could have left this all to
spoil like this.
Miscommunication, The Questions We Never Asked and The Things We Refused to Say
honey
like a bruised arm,
a heart needs time to heal—
and nothing soothes a broken soul
like a bit of tea and honey.
Mama, If You Knew What They Did to Me, It Might Just Make You Cry
(spoiled) milk and honey is a visual and literary exploration of femininity, identity, and the multifaceted experiences of women. Through the lens of both photography and poetry, this book aims to dissect and challenge the prevailing notions and expectations of women, with a specific focus on the experiences of Asian women.
Drawing inspiration from the groundbreaking works of feminist artists, such as Carrie Mae Weems, Alice Neel, Louise Burgeois, and Cindy Sherman, Dilag examines these themes and their representation in art and media throughout history, threading references to religious and cultural beliefs that have shaped and reinforenced the societal expectations of women, while confronting and coping with memories from childhood into adulthood.
(spoiled) milk and honey serves as a personal narrative that depicts a coming-of-age journey filled with grief and self-discovery, exploring the dichotomous nature of sweetness and decay, of trauma and self-healing, and of vulnerability and resilience in the face of adversity.
Artist Statement
prints
Images were created using a Mamiya 7ii with Kodak Portra 400 film.
*Limited prints are available upon request: 13” x 19” Moab Lasal Luster Paper or 8.5” x 11” Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper.