Hong Kong, 25 November 2024 – As a prelude to the 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from 25 November to 12 December 2024, the Philippine Consulate General and Sentro Rizal Hong Kong launched an exhibition on 17 November 2024 featuring the works of Ms. Dholeeh Ann Hidalgo, an overseas Filipino worker and street photographer, at the Sining Malaya Freedom Art Wall. Ms. Hidalgo’s exhibition focuses on her series entitled “Migration: Through the Lens of a Domestic Worker.”
The visually compelling series encapsulates the experiences of migrant workers in the City, showcasing how they navigate their new environment and the everyday challenges that shape their lives. Through her lens, Ms. Hidalgo captured the essence of connection and adaptation, offering viewers a poignant glimpse into the multifaceted life of a domestic worker in Hong Kong. During the program, she encouraged her fellow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong to expand their horizons and continue pursuing their passion. She added that Filipino migrant workers should not be limited by their roles as domestic helpers.
Originally from Pangasinan, Philippines, Ms. Hidalgo began her journey in the field of education as a high school teacher and tutor. Her passion for photography has flourished since her move to Hong Kong as a domestic worker in 2013, where she discovered that expressing herself through art significantly alleviated feelings of sadness and isolation. A self-taught photographer, Ms. Hidalgo now actively participates in Hong Kong’s vibrant photography community, aiming to use her platform to inspire fellow migrants and highlight their stories.
In her remarks, Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan commended Ms. Hidalgo's artistry, noting that her work not only showcased the challenges and realities faced by migrant workers, but also serves as a powerful tribute to women's strength and resilience. Through Ms. Hidalgo's photography, the Consulate aims to inspire hope and solidarity among communities while reinforcing the message that every story matters, particularly those of women who often face significant challenges.
The exhibition may be viewed for free at the “Sining Malaya Art Corner” located at the Philippine Consulate’s public area from Sunday to Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until 12 December 2024. END.
