IMAGERY IS THE LANGUAGE OF SOCIAL
CHANGE
TRANSFORMING
CULTURE
ONE BRUSHSTROKE
AT A TIME “Imagery is the lan-
I route
of
guage
of
social
change,” says Tim El-
Amorita on the island of Panglao, Bo-
less than esteemed UP professor,
more,
Leadership
hol to converge, share insights, rekin-
Prof. Leo Abaya, the artists were
guru who has chosen
dle each other’s passion for this nation
giddy at the thought of having
the
we call ours, and to translate all this
been handpicked by such an art
into awesome works of art.
luminary.
The Beginning
Although there were ten slots
unconventional
teaching
leadership
through imagery.
Sinugdanan, which in
available, he deliberately selected
the Visayan dialect
only 9, ensuring that all styles
means
begin-
were duly represented, and that
ning”, aptly described
there would be no overlaps. The
this joint initiative of
artists spent days and nights recre-
Hulma
Foundation
ating and creating, working on
Outlooke
their masterpieces on passion for
and
“the
the
Pointe Foundation. Giving gravity to the pivotal role that art-
the nation, hoping to transform our culture from one of apathy to one of passion.
This truth was the springboard
ists play in nation-building, Hulma
Coming together in Bohol
from which came Sinugdanan Art-
Foundation embarked on this project
Sessions and workshops were held
ist’s Summit, where 9 artists were
to inspire young artists and encourage
with the goal of inspiring, and set-
sent to the beautiful resort of
change through art. Selected by no
ting
ablaze,
like
the
session
vision is ensuring that these artists and their works are made known to the public. In doing so, we hope to encourage the younger generation to aim for excellence.
In seeing
the artists excelling and doing great things with what they do best, we hope to call the youth to do introspection and take a look at what really ‘makes them tick’ and then encouraging them to pursue it. In making these artists more known, we also inspire a nation in dire wherein the artists were made to write
Seeing Bohol
need of inspiration. Seeing art-
on their hands what they were loved
Of course, no visit to Bohol would be
ists of this caliber is sure to
about the Philippines. In a symbolic
complete
gone
spark a newfound respect not
gesture, they wrote them on their
around to see the quintessential tour-
only for the local art scene but
hands, hoping to signify constantly re-
ist spots, and so this too was in their
for this whole cultural move-
without
having
itinerary.
ment in the Philippines.
Letting the artist and
The artists went on media
his art be known
rounds that took them to KBP Golden Dove Award winning
Part of what The Out-
membering what they love about their nation, as the old adage goes, written on the palm of their hands.
looke
Pointe
Foundation considers
quintes-
sential to their
station, Jam 88.3; the most popular
radio station in the Metro.
They were also featured on ABSCBN
News
Channel’s
ANC
Mornings, the cable channel that caters
to
businessmen
and
OFWs. Media Mileage is quintessential to any foundation, particularly in the early stages of establishing its niche and its credibility as an organization. This not only chronicles the track record of the foundation, it also gives the projects VALIDITY in that the media has taken notice of their activities.
and founder of Hulma Foun-
The Culmination
dation thanked the artists for
The exhibit opened on
their contribution to the na-
the 30th of July and was
tion. The exhibit was unex-
held in Absinth, the
pectedly well-attended, hav-
establishment
gener-
ing been held on a week
ously sponsoring the
night. Young supporters, the
cocktails as well as
artists and art patrons came
waiving their gallery
together to celebrate art and
cut for the benefit of
nationhood.
the foundations. Mrs. Hernandez, owner of Amorita Resort
THE ARTISTS
Finally, the long awaited arrival at Amorita From L-R Marcus Nada, Derrick Macutay, Dennis Montera, Victor Dumaguing, Dan Matutina, Janelle Tang, Odette Cagandahan, Bru Sim, Dexter Fernandez, Kooky Tuason and Serj Bumatay
THE ARTISTS
Dennis “Sio” Montera The artist would say there was no clear delineation between his art and himself. The Visayan visionary is an organizer of art events—including the Visayan Visual Arts exhibit, a conference that pools together talent and the stories behind them for the purpose of bolstering the art scene in the Visayas through the personal support system created among the artists in attendance—and art educator besides being the prolific professional artist that he is. Close to his heart, influence to his style is the respected Professor Nestor Virulan whom the artist worked closely with during his post-
graduate thesis in the University of the Philippines. There is the similar indissolubility of emotion and his pieces. Montera’s non-figurative rendition shows the unadulterated, unrefined, non-abstraction of feeling that has yet to be compartmentalized by logic to produce such intense work. Often rapt with the The stifling effect of his “gestural composition”, layering, and “thick, brooding, spontaneous lines” is meant to suppress the deconstructive nature of the consciousness, to be approached differently as when we would of a situation or challenge.
Derrick Macutay Between the interplay of man and technology, the works of the artist Macutay forces the question: with whom does the actual humanity lie? It sometimes seems as we have been robbed of our souls by machines; evil is seen as inherent in these non-living products of man’s goals. “The inspirations for my paintings revolve around the use and abuse relationships between man and technology.” Furtherance of this theme bestows on the non-living humanistic aspects, especially those that seem to be misplaced in
persons today. Surrendering in the place of pilferage. Macutay’s obvious concern for the time’s soul is the result of a daily and direct confrontation with cyberspace, hypermedia and other embodiments of the technological life force. Having formally studied art in the University of Sto. Tomas and trained with Angono Masters, Derrick has always been dead-on in his critique and rendering of the way the spirit and science come to terms with one another, terms that shape the coming days.
THE ARTISTS
Dexter Fernandez The duality in the works of Fernandez is the second experience of his audience. The initial feelings of being overwhelmed by the weight and volume of and behind the work bifurcates repeatedly until one has a rich understanding of the piece and his artist resembling the roots of an old Acacia tree. He explains that his style is composite of elements from low and highbrow art. His select features from both arenas create an indelible resemblance to the dual nature of the Zeitgeist. Organic, the work directly between his hands and the canvas are sometimes interpolated by
digital art that by execution alone disposes of justification. Human stories rendered fictively by his choice of imagery—surreal, pop, and macabre— create “Comiczoo”, a word he coined himself, which he closely relates to his subconscious. A burlesque of the today’s world and the internal landscape of man and in which man is found, the works of the artist are clearly situated for his audience mitigating a far-out, vivid imagination. His dual approach to art makes possible a complete resonation inside the audience: a feeling of understanding and partaking versus isolation.
Janelle Tang The duality in the works of Fernandez is the second experience of his audience. The initial feelings of being overwhelmed by the weight and volume of and behind the work bifurcates repeatedly until one has a rich understanding of the piece and his artist resembling the roots of an old Acacia tree. He explains that his style is composite of elements from low and highbrow art. His select features from both arenas create an indelible resemblance to the dual nature of the Zeitgeist. Organic, the work directly between his hands
and the canvas are sometimes interpolated by digital art that by execution alone disposes of justification. Human stories rendered fictively by his choice of imagery—surreal, pop, and macabre— create “Comiczoo”, a word he coined himself, which he closely relates to his subconscious. A burlesque of the today’s world and the internal landscape of man and in which man is found, the works of the artist are clearly situated for his audience mitigating a far-out, vivid imagination. His dual approach to art makes possible a complete resonation inside the audience: a feeling of understanding and partaking versus isolation.
THE ARTISTS
Odette Cagandahan Inspired by the hierarchy of her environment: the self, her family, friends, and the greater scheme of things, the artist Odette’s predilection for the self-portrait comes to better view. On the occasion of the Bohol Artist’s Summit, the genre of her favor was much apt and provided above all else—her painting towering above all else—an immediately personal and relatable quality, a jarring reality of what is and what’s lost, inescapable on the part of those who view the work. How much more valuable to the Summit’s ideal could her statement and contribution beyond the local art fair,
reinstating national value in her bodily representation instantaneously converses as if it were between two persons. Cagandahan received formal education in the arts in the University of the Philippines. The nuance in every face is a bold one, the expressions are drawing, approximating the chiaroscuro style that the influence of classical masters have perfected. Approximating and then some.
Bru Sim There is a stark and quiet luminosity in the paintings of Bru Sim. This might be attributed to her most dominant influences: children’s book illustrator and graphic designer Marcushiro who is also partner to her person and business. She and he together are the graphic illustrating duo Electrolychee Graphic Design Co., popular in the local street-art scene. Aesthetic clarity and brilliance such as hers are products of instinct and restraint, innovation and maturity. The artist describes being in that juncture in her artistic and personal life where in-
fluences between experience and environment are cut down to its core where the light is. In her paintings these are its insights and concepts. In spite of a lack in formal training (or because of it?), she is able to cross the boundaries in the artistic realm without snags. Placing herself in the category of lowbrow art, she brings to it an intuition in the character of materials. With embroidery she plays; there is another source of light in her painting. Very pattern driven, still remaining organic (vs. perfection), the acute focus of Bru is much illuminated.
THE ARTISTS
Victor Dumaguing Victor’s subconscious is completely operative (seemingly at will) that it has overridden basic consciousness. Unlike common persons whose aesthetic sensibilities are a latent function, his daily dialect and casual jargon always point to some unmarked beyond. He says of his creative process: I don’t know what I am doing in my work… the subconscious is at work… I don’t always know what the painting will look like in the end.” He works according to ideas that, more complex than logic can disambiguate, move him as energy. Oil, acrylic and mixed media—instruments are his guide and aid in putting order to the
forces that envelope him. Art is primary in his life; “Art is the ventilation in times of suffocation. Victor received formal training in the Ford Academy of Arts in Davao and is most influenced by Veristic and Austistic Surrealism.
Serj Bumatay Sergio lives in the minds and hearts of Filipino children, even sometimes before they can say his name. In the art scene, he is renowned and much has been said about his works: graphic design, photography, sculpture but none more than his paintings and children’s book illustrations. For two years running since 2007, Sergio has been awarded by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People the PBBY-Alcala Silver Prize. For the Bohol Artists’ Summit, he came with an agenda, a clear, revolutionary spirit. “By relating these concepts to fellow artists, I hope
they will be inspired to think out of the box and initiate positive changes in their respective fields as well.” There was definitely a lot to learn in the creative-generation of nationalist and patriotic messages from a man who digests Filipino culture and tradition to make his art. Whether because of an initiative of his own or on commission for a children’s book, Sergio is never restricted by a theme or manuscript. His true artifice is in freedom by definition, being bolstered by the skeletons of a story. By pointing to invisible realities that aren’t mentioned by the author, “The illustrations somehow become independent of the manuscript. A never-ending interplay of meaning is achieved.”
THE ARTISTS
Marcus Nada : The Electrolychee Graphic Design Co. duet is half the efforts of an who will work on a piece beginning with a concept that usually finds its way to the title. Nada had his formal training in the University of Sto. Tomas but is inspired by the world outrunning motor vehicles in the streets of Cubao, life in the third world, and his travels. Suffice to say that like his partner, he speaks of her as muse and eternal well-spring. He is the first to pay homage where it is due—the
Serendipity and happy accidents that touch with life and grace to an otherwise very material artifice and hardened expression.
SUM + IT By Dennis Montera Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas , 36x36
SUM+IT is used to describe the artist's literal and total experience in the 3-day artists' summit in Amorita Resort, Panglao, Bohol. The work depicts the artist lying down against the background of the resort's guests rooms. The image is indicative of laziness and directly confronts the artist and his mission to effect positive change through art. Here, the works becomes a direct visual biography where change should start from within before inspiring others. Bangon Manlilikha!
Masaya Kami Ngayon, Ganun Din Ba Ang Kinabukasan? By Dennis Montera Graphite and Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24
The work features young boys playing in the murky river waters of their hometown. Despite the ecological concerns of pollution in their bathing area, the work hopes to reflect on the pureness of children's happiness when playing. They are free from politics, financial burden, and other problems facing adult man. It leads us to question the circumstances of our children's future if they will ever experience the same happiness again.
TABULA RASA
THE WHITE DWARF
By Dennis Montera Acrylic on Canvas 18X24
By Bru Sim
Created in a strictly 'formalist' approach to art, the work is a non-figurative take on the process of effecting change in society. The title is a Spanish word literally meaning 'clean slate', which indicates the unlearning of certain things that have clouded or hindered our creativity as a people. We have to start involving art and culture into how we do things in our daily lives. A strong support for the arts and design related activities will shake up this third world mentality and a creativitydriven people will make us become globally competitive in this age of emerging international creative-economy.
Embroidery is not new. But I love it that each stitch is so much more deliberate than a brush stroke. There is intent and comfort in that.
Embroidery and mixed media on tea-stained fabric 19x13
I think my art's direction is an extension of the physical de-cluttering I'm going through right now. We have so much stuff that we think we want but don't actually need. You have to be pretty brutal to go through that. Keeping memories instead of keepsakes. And embracing only what you really need.
Welcome Aboard By Dexter Fernandez Acrylic and Resin on wood In the end, our world will be filled with evil and demons‌atrocities and chaos will be set. God cries in agony and will flood the whole universe with blood. For God is the creator and destroyer. He’s the dominator, the center of all things. In his mouth will found those whose believe. Through his palm and head, rest those who glorify him and God will grant them security and eternal life. He gave us a vessel of hope. A life with many options but its up to us to live and choose the best path‌ so welcome aboard!
I stand alone I and II By Janelle Tang
"I Stand Alone I and II" focuses on women empowerment and the changes in their social and domestic responsibilities at the same time keeping traditions and culture alive.
May nilaga ang may tiyaga
Magsumikap ang may pangarap
By Serj Bumatay Oil on Canvas
By Serj Bumatay Oil on Canvas
I think what our people need is an inspiration. What better way to feed the soul than through art. From a sound mind and soul, every wonderful things follow: you think and do right, care for others, and strive to prosper. My work is a visual affirmation, these are illustrations that depict positive reinforcement. We usually counteract negative feelings and behaviors by repeatedly saying positive phrases. In this work, I used visual images to deploy that effect. Our mind works magically as it controls us through our thoughts. Therefore, we should always be careful about what we are thinking, it is important to think positively. The paintings are rendered in a simple and whimsical style so that every viewer can easily grasp their meaning, working the images way to their minds subliminally. Visual images and words are so powerful that they influence most of our lives. Hopefully my paintings create lasting happy impressions thereby viewers getting inspired and consequently urges to take positive actions. In the first painting, the carabao is seen at rest, since he has been patient and is enjoying the fruit of his labor. In the second painting, the cat has managed to climb up and reach the moon/fish, a symbol of reaching the unattainable.
Kahugaw sa Kasing-Kasing (Polluted Heart) By Victor Dumaguing Enamel and acrylic on canvas
I think what our people need is an inspiration. What better way to feed the soul than through art. From a sound mind and soul, every wonderful things follow: you think and do right, care for others, and strive to prosper. My work is a visual affirmation, these are illustrations that depict positive reinforcement. We usually counteract negative feelings and behaviors by repeatedly saying positive phrases. In this work, I used visual images to deploy that effect. Our mind works magically as it controls us through our thoughts. Therefore, we should always be careful about what we are thinking, it is important to think positively. The paintings are rendered in a simple and whimsical style so that every viewer can easily grasp their meaning, working the images way to their minds subliminally. Visual images and words are so powerful that they influence most of our lives. Hopefully my paintings create lasting happy impressions thereby viewers getting inspired and consequently urges to take positive actions.
Pwidi pa ni (This can still do) By Victor Dumaguing Enamel and acrylic on canvas
The child’s eyes are fixed on the small pencil he is holding. By reason of financial constraints and scarcity he cannot afford himself a new pencil. Not heeding and oblivious to life’s disadvantages and difficulties, he is hopeful in pursuing his dreams, and with the small pencil in his hand, with his little hope in his heart for his big dreams, he is relieved and comforted that he will survive the day in school. My painting is suggesting to the viewers that life’s difficulties and complications should not be a barrier in fulfilling our ambitions and that if we can just make use of what little we have it can be a first tread in realizing our dreams. A long mile begins with a single step.
Lupang Hinirang By Lourdes Cagandahan Oil on Canvas
The main concept of my painting is all about “bayanihan”. Instead of carrying a house I used Philippine flag, to show our passion and love for our country. The 3 faces signifying Luzon ,Visayas, Mindanao (unity). And behind their facial expressions are past, present and future. This is artist personal perception, Past(face below)- more of history… I’m a Filipino, and this is my bloodline,family,etc. Present (face at the right side)- what will I do? Yes, I’m a Filipino and I have a talent but what will I do with this talent? I want to encourage Filipinos specially my kababayans in Paete(there’s so many people who are talented yet few are with strong personalities to show their passion for Art. Future (face above)- goals, visions, and dream… Ah…start with myself first!! Do my very best in creating art…and everything will follow….LIYAB PILIPINAS. Sinugdanan- starting point, for me the starting point is “BE A GOOD MODEL FIRST’. And obviously self portrait… Bakit? Kase kelangang magsimula muna talaga sa sarili ko….sarili natin. Kung anong kakayahan meron ako, ipapakita ko! “WAG MONG ITANONG KUNG ANONG MAGAGAWA NG BAYAN MO SAYO, ITANONG MO KUNG ANONG MAGAGAWA MO PARA SA BAYAN MO’.
Sa Magaling Salita By Marcus Nada Charcoal and Watercolor on paper
This piece was inspired by the filipino saying, "sa madaling salita" (to make the story short). Everything nowadays are shortcuts. This artwork is a culmination of all the things that I absorbed from the artist summit. These are ideas summed up from learning what the summit is all about, interacting with fellow participants and from my reflection towards my art. To me, it all leads to the word "Change". Ideals, concepts and ideas for change are just words. However flowery, cunning, powerful, inspiring, moving, promising or sharp, these are mere words. These words are a great starting point. These words won't come to fruition without action. Start with these words and then act on it. Then we'll experience change. I for one am a procastinator extraordinaire. I've learned through the course of the summit that the OPF was put up to inspire change through works of art. This piece serves as a reminder (first and foremost) to me. For me to inspire change, it has to start with myself
Alab ng Sining at Kultura By Derrick Macutay
Although my works are contemporary and modern in rendering, I chose to work on a piece that evokes a child like and colorful atmosphere. I still work on colorful murals and I intended to change my lines and colors to a stain glass effect, rigid and linear, almost geometrical in composition. I chose to use the colors of stain glass since it is very colorful and has this translucent effect. Like the colors of it I portrayed the vivid colors of our land. It shows how diverse our culture is, from the North to the South. It also shows how the Philippines is rich in its historical past and profound in its tradition still practiced by the younger generation. Despite all the negative news around us and the moral and environmental deterioration we are still able to sustain ourselves by keeping the flames of hope alive. By means of educating our people through visual interpretations of positive and meaningful works, we are able to keep the future generation as guardians of our culture. We are able to show the importance of keeping our environment clean and keeping our rivers pollution free. Keeping our culture and traditions alive by the different city’s imitative through cultural and artistic programs.