DJ Zygote aka Simon Grefiel (he/him) is an artist whose work engages with ancient and pre-colonial histories and practices from Southeast Asia and around the Pacific. Working with sculpture, found objects, drawings, and plant life, his explorations of language, dreams, spirits, familial stories, and speculative narratives proposes new ways of experiencing the supernatural realm, and the material universe.
Grefiel is currently exploring "Budots," an electronic music genre and dance style originating from Davao City, Philippines and heavily influence by the indigenous Sama-Bajau. He DJs as a way to explore electronic music in Southeast Asia and the Global South. He is also producing music with collaborator Reylinn McGrath under the moniker "Gulod Tanawin."
Grefiel was born and raised in Tacloban City, Philippines, and currently lives on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx ̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. His work has been exhibited and screened at Vancouver Art Gallery, Gallery Gachet, WAAP, and Libby Leshgold Gallery in Vancouver and Gallery TPW in Toronto, ON.
