LEAH ABUCAYAN

About the artwork: Using only thrifted & donated materials, I hand stitched fabrics from the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, China, and Ecuador, as a reminder of the world within our wardrobes. Each thread tells a tale of skill and tradition, reminding us of the hands that craft and the cultures that thrive. The working hands made of duct tape on the back of the jacket represent the people and stories behind the clothes and textiles we wear. As we celebrate these fabrics, I also wanted to raise awareness about the working conditions of textile workers. Every piece of clothing carries a narrative, and by choosing mindfully, we can impact lives positively. This thrifted jean jacket isn't just a canvas… it's a celebration of global artistry and consciousness.  

About the artist: Leah Abucayan is a Filipino-American artist based out of Atlanta, GA. I find joy in making stuff. I studied Graphic Design at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco and currently work as a designer for the CNN Digital Art Department. Previously, I interned at Walt Disney Imagineering designing print collateral and environmental signage for Walt Disney parks, resorts, and cruise lines. My love for art began at a very young age. My art journey really began to take shape when I was 11 and had started my own little business crafting purses, bags, and wallets out of duct tape. Today I still use duct tape, but now I use it as a medium for creating custom portraits. My art has taken many forms from doing murals, to chalk art, to brand design, to duct tape portraits, to illustration, and sometimes even home renovations. My mission is to make a positive impact on the world and inspire others with my art and passion for design.

Connect with Leah

Website | Instagram

BACK TO

MAIN PAGE