An exhibition on the rich history and diverse techniques of the art form, Perspectives in Philippine Printmaking showcases a range of works by established masters, current practitioners, and emerging artists.
The event is in collaboration with the Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Foundation Inc., the Association of Pinoy Printmakers, and Talyer 15. The installation is produced by the Center for Campus Art and Fine Arts in Culture-Based Arts Program of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and co-presented by Fundacion Sansó.
Curated by visual artist Ricky Francisco, the show traces the growth of printmaking in the country from the 1950s to the present.
“In the late 1950s and early 1960s, several events contributed to the growth of printmaking as a viable medium for art in the Philippines. This means that the growth of printmaking is tied to Philippine modernism as a whole,” Francisco explained.
“This is not to say that the Philippines lacked a tradition of printmaking,” he added. “In fact, the colonization of the country was largely documented and aided by printmaking.”
Francisco, with decades of experience as an active museum worker, expounded that 1920s commemorative prints have likewise demonstrated the high degree of technical ability and sophistication of local artists and artisans in the medium.
“These works stand as testimony to the Philippines’ emerging fine art print tradition, one that was slowly evolving under the pressures and influences of colonial history and the interplay of local and foreign aesthetics,” he said. “However, it was with the growth of Modern Philippine Art that printmaking came into its own.”
Perspectives in Philippine Printmaking features approximately 200 prints. Among the highlights are the works of visual artist Manuel Rodriguez Sr., one of the pioneers of printmaking in the country, from the Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Foundation Inc., a non-stock non-profit foundation which promotes the advancement of Philippine Art and Culture.
It includes a notable collection by important practitioners such as the Spanish-born Philippine artist Juvenal Sansó, as represented by the non-profit organization Fundacion Sansó. With his recent passing, the exhibition takes on a deeper significance and DLS-CSB is honored to display his prints and celebrate his legacy as a multi-faceted artist.
Selected entries from over 20 young talented DLS-CSB Fine Arts in Culture-Based Arts students are also on view, which exemplifies the discipline’s continued vitality.
Perspectives in Philippine Printmaking is available on view until June 14 at the 6F Corridor of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus in Malate Manila. It is open Mondays through Saturdays, from 10 am to 6 pm.
