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The Pearls Project by Archie Geotina is a powerful and evocative initiative that explores and crosses between various current themes: feminism, sustainability, climate change and the ocean. The project presents Filipino women in traditional dresses, defying gender norms and colonial legacies. By showing the women surfing in these clothes, the author highlights the power and robustness of women, celebrating their role in history and today’s society alike. The image of women dominating the waves with traditional costumes not only emphasises their empowerment, but also redefines the narrative about women surfing, portraying them as strong and elegant.
Besides the feminist message, the project addresses sustainability and climate change, highlighting the natural beauty and fragility of the ocean. The project came about through Geotina’s connection with the sea and his desire to honour it through his art. By using natural settings and articulating the interaction between the surfers and the ocean, he emphasises the importance of preserving marine environments. This focus on sustainability is backed up by the use of traditional Filipino fabrics made from natural fibres, promoting environmentally friendly practices. The project is also a call to action to protect our oceans, which are vital for combating climate change and sustaining life on Earth.