Definition of an Artist: An artist is a person who engages in imaginative art forms.
Historical Role: Traditionally, artists were seen as creators of uplifting, aesthetically pleasing, and entertaining works.
Contemporary Filipino Artists' Roles:
Personal: Artists express their own feelings and emotions.
Social: Artists reflect on and comment on their surroundings and societal issues.
Physical: Creation of art that is not only visually appealing but also functional.
Immaterial: Artists give shape to unseen truths and spiritual forces.
Cultural Commentary: Provide opinions on contemporary culture.
Advocacy: Artists act as crusaders, influencing public perception and opinion on societal issues.
Social Criticism: Engage in critique of societal norms and practices.
Versatility: Adapt to various art forms and themes.
Background: Born in 1978 in Manila, studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines.
Exhibitions: Has held numerous exhibitions locally and internationally, notable awards include:
Grand Prize, Philip Morris ASEAN Art Award (2000)
CCP Thirteen Artists Award (2003)
Art Style: Known for stark realism, photorealism, and the use of everyday objects to comment on sociopolitical issues.
Background: Native of General Santos City, alumnus of the Philippine High School for the Arts and University of the Philippines.
Awards: Received numerous accolades, including the Metrobank Art Awards and CCP Artists Award.
Art Style: Known for sculptures that blend colors and forms, often inspired by monsters, reflecting a distinctive and playful approach in various mediums.
Background: Prominent female artist, received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines.
Exhibitions: Featured in international platforms, including the Aichi Triennale.
Focus: Addresses women's issues, social injustices, and conducts art therapy in conflict zones.
Notable Works: Authored "I Love My Body" (2018) that emphasizes body positivity.
Background: Born in 1980 in Montalban, Rizal, gained fame with his Nokia Art Awards win (2001).
Themes: Explores Filipino folklore and mythology, mixing vibrant colors with complex compositions.
Art Style: Best known for commentary on social issues through traditional and contemporary artistic methods.
Background: Born in 1977, a significant figure in abstract art.
Art Style: Plays with texture and color to reflect on Philippine history and human experience, challenging perceptions of art.
Background: Technical master, graduated from the University of the Philippines.
Exhibitions: Extensive exhibition record, known for engaging themes around observation and authorship.
Notable Work: Her series "Museum Watching" highlights the dynamic between artwork and viewer.
Background: Born in 1953, known for multimedia installations.
Art Style: Incorporates salvaged materials to create thought-provoking installations, highlighting beauty in discarded items.
Background: Born in 1970; trained initially in nursing but transitioned to art.
Themes: Focuses on personal and social themes, exploring emotional depth and complexity in her work.
Background: Born in 1973, acclaimed for his mixed media works.
Art Style: Investigates identity through various mediums, combining graffiti, cartoons, and realism to depict Filipino culture.
Background: Received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines, known for conceptual art.
Art Style: Blends sculpture and photography, focusing on often overlooked aspects of daily life.
Background: Icon of Philippine art, National Artist awardee in 2006.
Notable Works: Known for figurative work centered around his muse "Sabel", focusing on Filipino societal themes through art.
Background: Renowned sculptor, former psychology student.
Art Style: Recognized for her haunting sculptures that delve into personal and tragic histories.
Background: Prolific artist, blends intimacy with violence in his portraits.
Art Style: Invokes viewer interaction through stark portrayals of human emotion.
Background: Visual artist recognized for abstract expressionism.
Art Style: Captures raw emotionality in her representational works, highlighting children's moods.
Background: Self-taught multimedia artist from Bacolod.
Art Style: Known for layering in artworks to explore personal relationships and emotions.
Background: Multi-faceted artist and curator.
Art Style: Known for collages that juxtapose disparate themes, inviting viewer interpretation.
Background: Intermedia artist exploring urbanization and transitions.
Art Style: Integrates everyday objects in discussions on socio-economic contexts.
Background: Concepts surrounding vanity and craft.
Art Style: Works with textiles and various materials, promoting reflection on craftsmanship.
Background: Contemporary artist with a strong multi-cultural influence.
Art Style: Video installations reflecting sociological insights into contradictions and feelings of voyeurism.
Background: Daughter of ceramicists; raised between cultures.
Art Style: Combines painting and sculpture reflecting on nostalgia and identity.
Background: Young artist from Oriental Mindoro exploring themes of place and memory.
Art Style: Incorporates familiar architectural forms in artworks to express personal nostalgia.
Background: Pioneer of kinetic art; his works are sensory engagements.
Art Style: Notable for inventive forms that invite viewer participation and deep exploration.