JOSE JOYA RETROSPECTIVE AT CCP

JOSE JOYA RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT AT CCP

A major retrospective of the works of the late National Artist for Visual Arts Jose Joya opened recently at the Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The event was graced by Joya's sister Josie Joya Baldovino, National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz, and other guests.

Travels define the body of work of the late National Artist. On the occasion of his 80th birth anniversary, one is able to catch a glimpse of his vision and mastery of more than 60 years of art practice. His travels are both physical and metaphorical. The retrospective begins with his tireless artistic documentation of the many places he has visited using pen and ink and charcoal pencils on large sketchbooks that he never forgot to take with him.

A painter and multimedia artist, Joya, who was conferred the National Artist award in 2003, distinguished himself by creating an authentic Filipino abstract idiom that transcended foreign influences. Most of his paintings of harmonious colors were inspired by Philippine landscapes, such as green rice paddies and golden fields of harvest. His abstract landscapes were based on features of tropical nature and the phenomena of the universe. His use of rice paper in collages placed value on transparency, a common characteristic of folk art. The curvilinear forms of his paintings often recall the colorful and multilayered kiping of the Pahiyas festival. His important mandala series was also drawn from Asian aesthetic forms and concepts.

Joya introduced the value of kinetic energy and spontaneity in painting which became significant artistic values in Philippine art. Alongside this was his assiduous exploration of vital approaches to material and his innovative use of tools and techniques which considerably enriched the language of modernism. He also led the way for younger artists in bringing out the potentials of multimedia. He designed and painted on ceramic vessels, plates and tiles, and stimulated regional workshops. A compleat artist, he also did work in the graphic arts, particularly in printmaking. At the same time, his numerous folios of drawings link up with the Philippine figurative tradition.

The exhibit runs until November 6, 2011.