Pacita Abad Art Estate is pleased to announce that the Stanford University has acquired Pacita Abad Archives, a major collection documenting the life and 32-year career of the Philippine-American artist celebrated for her colorful, socially engaged works and global outlook.
Donated by the Estate, the archive will be housed by the Stanford University Libraries’ Department of Special Collections, with close collaboration with the Cantor Arts Center. The Estate has also provided funds to support the processing and digitization of the archives, which will continue to expand posthumously.
Spanning 120 linear feet, the archive includes photographs, personal artifacts, exhibition materials, and examples of Pacita's distinctive trapunto paintings—quilted textile works that address themes of identity, migration, and social justice. Pacita created over 5,000 artworks during her lifetime, shaped by her travels to more than 60 countries and her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.
Stanford’s acquisition reflects Pacita’s personal ties to the university and strengthens its Asian American Art Initiative (AAAI). The archive joins collections of other prominent Asian-American artists at both the Cantor Arts Center and the university’s libraries, supporting new research, exhibitions and education. A dedicated archivist will oversee digitization and access, ensuring Pacita’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists, scholars and activists.