Get To Know… Alyssa Powell-Ascura
A deep dive into all things ‘arts and ents’.
Words Indigo James // Image Daniel Marks
Alyssa Powell-Ascura is an award-winning visual artist and writer who investigates the intersection of culture and identity. Rooted in her Filipino heritage and shaped by strong matriarchs, she carries the value of ‘kapwa’ – shared identity – into every project. Alyssa works across socially engaged art, installation and moving images, embracing the term ‘slashie’ to describe her fluid, multi-hyphenated practice. Curiosity, play and process define her work, as does its ability to resist easy categorisation. Alyssa’s art reminds us we’re not in competition, but in connection – a core message in her community-driven curatorial debut for SALA’s Emerging Curator Program, Cutting Fruits.
Tell us about your practice. What do you do?
I’m primarily known as a visual artist and a writer. I call myself a ‘slashie’ as I work across various artistic mediums... I want to resist categorisation. Sometimes, I focus on the process and the creative research more than the outcome, and this is probably why a lot of my works can be specific yet conceptual.
What inspires your work?
Everything! I’ve been really lucky to receive multiple art residencies. Being in a new environment and being challenged is a great catalyst to make work. It’s like, ‘Well, you flew eight hours to be here, you can’t not go out there!’ It’s a good thing that I feel really energised around people!
What’s your earliest memory of making art?
I spent a lot of time with my grandmother when I was younger. She lived in an ancestral home where downstairs functioned as a restaurant/store hybrid, and upstairs was the main family residence. Her home was always so full of life and full of delicious food! I feel like creativity has always been a constant in my life.
What is your favourite piece of art you’ve created and why?
I’m really proud of the works included in my first solo exhibition, Halo-halo (2024), at The Mill. When it won The City of Adelaide Award for SALA, it was unexpected, but so rewarding. Earlier this year, I had my first exhibition in Melbourne – titled Firstborn (2025) – at West Space. It was largely inspired by my mum, who is the eldest sibling of her family. She came all the way down from Queensland to see it, so that was really special.
What are you most excited about working on right now?
My curatorial debut, Cutting Fruits, showing in August as part of the City Library SALA Emerging Curator Program! I often think about how viewers might feel after visiting or viewing my works, and this group exhibition is no different. I would hope it can add a joyful, courageous alternative.
Who are your top three music artists right now?
I have to shout out Louis Bullock, an experimental, ambient artist. We work [near] each other and collaborate often, so I get the opportunity to hear his new music firsthand, which is such a privilege. Lately, I’m loving the Filipino band Kindred and underrated gems like Ruby Ibarra. Also always in heavy rotation: Emily Wurramara, Thelma Plum, Genesis Owusu. And you can’t go wrong with some budots.
Any advice for emerging artists?
You don’t exist in isolation! Be open to all kinds of people and experiences. Sometimes the system will have you feeling like you’re in competition with each other when you’re not. There’s space for everybody. Build each other up. Oh, and call your parents! Tell them you love them.
Keep up to date with everything Alyssa Powell-Ascura is working on via @apowellascura.
