Father of Philippine Modern Art Honored
THe Edades Projects with support the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Office of Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, the Philippine Star and Universal Harvester, Inc presents “Edades: From Freedom to Fruition” an exhibition on the life and works of National Artist VIctorio C. Edades (1895-1985) as painter, architect and educator. Unknown to many, he was an OFW who worked in the salmon canneries of Alaska, as furnace operator and dishwasher in girls' dormitory and amateur boxer so he could support his studies at the University of Washington, Seattle USA for 9 years.He was also an early environmentalist planting native trees wherever he stayed,advocating a simple lifestyle and was a passionate tennis player till he passed away.
The exhibition, to be held at the Main Gallery of the Cultural Center of the Philippines from December 2, 2011 to January 7, 2012 showcases some 40 works (sourced from government and private collections from Manila to Davao and Pangasinan) made by Edades between 1926 to 1981, some of which were never exhibited before.
The exhibition also includes the works of Edades’ former students in UST, now distinguished artists in their own right such as Antonio Austria, Manuel Baldemor, Norma Belleza, Charito Bitanga,Danny Dalena, Angelito Antonio,Jaime de Guzman, National Artists Ang Kiukokand Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Veronica Lim, Ramon Orlina, Leon Pacunayen, and Rhoda Recto.
dades was a graduate of Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Washigton. In 1928 he came home and began to embark on a mission to see Philippine Art move away from its parochial isolation that was 50 years behind, and changed the direction of Philippine painting towards mainstream international culture.
dades served as the head of Department of Architecture in 1930 which he helped organize and later in 1935 introduced the Liberal Arts program which led to a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, its curriculum patterned after the American curricula, which set new standards for art education in the country.
Edades taught at UST for 30 years (from 1930 to 1966) where he encouraged his students to have a thorough knowledge of history at the same time, a keen awareness of the progress of art in other countries that created an environment for modern art to flourish.
Edades: from Freedom to Fruition” is part of a series of events and activities, called the Edades Projects in honor of the country’s Father of Modern Art which was launched last July 29, 2011 in Adition Hills, San Juan, Edades’ one-time residence, dubbed as Edades Tea Party.Edades Projects is a collaboration of Liongoren Gallery, Institute of Studies for Asian Church and Culture and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. For inquiries contact 9124319/4393962/9643496.
