El Conquistadork
El Conquistadork: Coat of Arms
Manila file folders, vinyl, and laminate
2004
A Manila galleon made primarily of Manila file folders was successfully sailed by the artist in Tomales Bay, California to commemorate the famed trade route of 1565 through 1815 between Mexico City, Manila, and California. Based on one of the first intercontinental trade routes, the performance and installation is a humorous critique on contemporary and historic issues of colonialism and cultural exchange.
Photo: MCASD, Pablo Mason