Name ; age ; identification ; location (ASL)?

I am Doleen Larra Alegre Juab, also known as "Taga Barrio" (which translates to a small part of a town that is usually in poverty), I am 24 years old, (No pronouns), I am a queer filipino immigrant that is currently residing at Cranbourne East.

Sun, Earth or Moon?

I think of myself as a plant/tree, so I would say Earth, I love my plants, so I am here for the light and happiness, but I also love the darkness. I like the balance of things in life, the birth, the death, the cold, the warmth, the wind, I feel like this is very much the same of how things go about in our lives, and from the different situations and experiences I have, I grow like the tree/plant, sometimes I'm underwatered. Sometimes I'm over-watered, but most times I try to be the best that I can.

Don't they say you need a little bit of everything in this world to flourish?

Why art? What drew you to it?

I see Art as my lifeguard in life to be honest, sometimes things happen where I feel like I am drowning but knowing that I have Art to lean to, makes me feel safe. I am always saved by the creations I make, or that others make. There's just something about art in different forms that allows me to feel, and react to life. Art is a poetic language that somehow always translates so differently from person to person, but it has one commonality - and that it makes you think and feel. And I like that, even if it's not good all the time. I like feeling my feelings in its rawest form.

“Don’t they say you need a little bit of everything in this world to flourish?” 

- Taga Barrio

Favourite piece / artwork / sculpture created or worked on to date? Why?

I think my favourite work was my Gradshow, I curated this tiny room into my own space. I had 3 resin sculptures of my body, and all of them had invisible paint on it. The whole space had floral lineworks done on the walls that can only be revealed with a special light. There was also a QR code which gives you the direction on how to go through the space. There was a spoken word element, and music element, the different breakdowns of the work. A space where you can just sit, observe and listen, or even respond to the space. It was a full experience for your eyes, ears, and touch! And despite the directions, and my own meaning, everyone had a different interpretation and experience, which I really enjoyed knowing.

If you could manifest anything to exist in the Outer South East, what would it be?

For everyone to have a space to create and express their truest self, and if they aren't sure yet, to have a safe and encouraging space to do that which also welcomes mistakes than perfect results.

Your local businesses you’d like to shout out?

I love the people here, like honestly - especially my Connection Arts Space folks, I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for them. There's a true sense of community here, and everyone is so supportive and loving. Everyone helps you grow and learn more, and everyone will cry and laugh with you. We out here for everything that happens in your life, and for some of us - this is our home away from home. This is our new family, our new community.