UNIT III : CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WHO USE INDIGENOUS

MATERIALS

GENERAL OBJECTIVE: to know the different indigenous materials that can be used in making art.
to appreciate the Filipinos culture and traditions by making arts.

LESSON 1: CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WHO USE INDIGENOUS MATERIALS OR

INSPIRATIONS FOR THEIR ART

In contemporary times, more and more artists are trying to find new and innovative ways to
express themselves. Many Filipino artists turn to their cultural heritage are indigenous materials for
inspiration. The results are often exciting and surprising. These artworks are certainly avant-grade ad yet
rooted in Filipino culture.

CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ARTISTS

Artists can be inspired by many factors. Their work is dictated by the combination of these elements that
most of the time, even if the subject is the same, the output varies from one another.

This lesson is divided to showcase the different contemporary artists of the country’s three main island
groups.

LUZON

A. RODEL TAPAYA
Hails from Bulacan. He is a multi- awarded Filipino Artists winning art contests here and
abroad. He innovated used subjects inspired by the culture and history of the
Philippines in his paintings. He also uses folk subjects and myths from Filipino folktales
such as manananggals, tikbalangs, and Bernardo Carpio. Folkgotten (2008)

B. DEXTER SY
Was born in Manila. He uses his mix heritage of being a Filipino-Chinese as his
inspiration for many of his works. These offer personal insights and commentary on the
life of a Filipino – Chinese. The result were artworks that were personal, self –
deprecating and honest.

C. AZE ONG
Grew up in Antipolo City and is known for her colorful and organic forms made of
crocheted threads. Her inspirations are from within and nature. She says that she often
invoke the “spirits” to guide her craft.

VISAYAS

A. NUNELUCIO ALVARADO
Currently based in Bacolod. Proud of his heritage, he often uses his work to create
awareness of the Sakadas of Negros and the other marginalized people of the society.
His many Paintings are often bold in their expression and emotions.

B. MANUEL PANARES

A Cebuano Painter, known for his historical themed paintings. He believes in the power
of art as a medium of learning. He creates realistic paintings of Cebu and Mindanao’s
historical events as a way for his fellow Cebuanos to learn more about their history.

C. MARTINO ABELLANA
Also known as “ Noy Tinong” was an important personality in the development of art in
Cebu and the rest of the Visayas.He is acknowledge as “ Dean of Cebuano Painters”. He
was an in demand muralist and portraiture artist. He is also known for his seascapes
depicting the beautiful shores and beaches of Cebu.
MINDANAO

A. MARIANO AMAR CATAGUE

Also known as “Anoy” was born in Davao an artist who depicts the Lumads in his
figurative paintings. His passion for the indigenous tribes began when he had interacted
with the Manuvu tribe, when he witnessed how the Lumads peaceful way of living were
destroyed by militarization in the area, he decided that he would dedicate his talents to
them.

B. SAUDI AHMAD

Based in Sibugay, Zamboanga, is said to be one of Mindanao’s greatest painters. His works
have been displayed in many exhibits here and abroad. His works are inspired by the rich
culture and tradition of Filipino Muslims. His subjects are often genre paintings of
community life, with his figures garbed in colorful and detailed costumes. He believes that
through his work he can connect the values of the past to the present making it more
relevant to the younger generation.

C. BERT MONTERONA

Was originally from Iligan City, but now is based on Vancouver, Canada. Even if he is abroad, he
admits that the works that he does are heavily influenced by his indigenous roots. His works are
known all over the world for his use of color, human figures, symbols and motifs that cannot
deny his Filipino heritage.