Kababayan
Abigail Legg
22 May – 6 June 2026

Invited by Twentysix Gallery to curate an exhibition, Russell Kleyn has worked closely with emerging photographer Abigail Legg on Kababayan, her first solo exhibition.

As a way to celebrate and connect with her Filipino whakapapa here in Aotearoa, Abigail photographs her titas (aunties) in their gardens, standing as caretakers on the whenua they reside on. Abigail’s mum, Elizabeth, immigrated here in 1986 and was the fifth Filipino to move to Feilding. A small Filipino diaspora community was established, which now shapes the cultural identity of hundreds of people in the Manawatū.

Kababayan translates to “fellow countryman” in Tagalog, a word used to describe those who are neighbours in the same town and share the same homeland. In their gardens, Legg photographs orchids. Their flowers are all held by a single stem. Linked, each flower embodies those who have made a home here in Aotearoa, held by their Filipino neighbours and allowed to continue traditions from their culture, making home a little closer.

The work is grounded in the Filipino tradition of mano po, where younger generations greet their elders with a gesture of respect and, in return, receive a blessing. For Legg, the gesture of holding each other’s hands means knowledge is passed down, love is exchanged, and prayer for one another is shared. She uses photography to symbolise this for her. The location of the garden is intentional. She grew up in these gardens and is nurtured by these women. Legg learnt that the door is always open, a hot drink will be offered, and no one should ever go home empty-handed.

Russell Kleyn identified closely with the intention of Legg’s work, recognising the importance of giving space to the Filipina women who have shaped her and the community she grew up in. Approaching the curatorial role as a process of mentorship and collaboration, he has worked alongside Legg to support the development of her practice, grounded in his understanding of portrait photography’s capacity to foster the exchange of knowledge and empower communities.

The exhibition text An Invitation for (Re)connection by Ar-Em Bañas accompanies the show.

Join us for an artist talk / wānanga on Saturday, 30 May, at 11am with Abigail Legg, Russell Kleyn, Jas Sabrine, Gia Espelita, Hendrix Hennessy-Ropiha, Ar-Em Bañas and Ari Banog.

We warmly invite you to join us at the opening on Thursday 21 May 2026 at 5:30pm, kindly sponsored by Almighty, Fruit Cru, Dilly Dally and Beth’s Baking – with the PCA Rondalla Band playing at 6pm.