Arts and Crafts of Mindanao

• Filipinos are known for their creativity and vibrant culture.
• Each region takes pride in its unique artistic specialties.
• Mindanao is rich in natural resources, which are maximized in art creation.
• Art serves as a medium to express artistic feelings towards various aspects of life.
• Contemporary art techniques and performance in Mindanao include:
  • History
  • Characteristics of Mindanaoan Visual Arts and Crafts
  • Attire
  • Textiles and tapestries
  • Renowned artists
  • Selected art crafts of the period

Arts and Craft of Mindanao

• Mindanao, known as "The Land of Promise," is the second-largest and southernmost island
• The island consists of diverse ethno-linguistic groups
• Predominantly Muslim groups:
  • Badjao
  • Iranun
  • Jama Mapun
  • Kalagan
  • Kalibugan
  • Manobo
  • Maguindanao
  • Sama Bangingi
  • Sama Rangutaran
  • Samal
  • Sangil
  • Tausug
  • Yakan
• Lumads maintained indigenous beliefs rather than converting to Islam or Christianity.
• Before Islam, early Filipinos believed spirits dwelled in plants and inanimate objects.
• Natural phenomena were attributed to gods, a belief system called animism.
• Interaction between natives and Muslim traders led to new artistic forms.
• This fusion of beliefs created a blend of spirituality and creativity.

Attire, Textiles, and Tapestries

• The Bilaan or B'laan are an ethnolinguistic group in South and North Cotabato.
• Bilaan is derived from "bila" (house) and "an" (people).
• Known for embroidery, brass ornaments, and beadwork on traditional clothing.
• Women wear heavy brass belts with tiny bells and takmun which are mother-of-pearl sequins.
• Ikat is a fabric-dyeing process where yarns are wrapped and dyed before weaving.
• Textiles have three colors: black/browns, red/ochre, and ecru (undyed abaca).
• Bagobos live in Davao and their name comes from "bago" (new) and "obo" (growth).
• They are believed to be a mix of native people and Hindu migrants from the Sri Vijayan and Majapahit Empires.
• They weave clothes from abaca fibers called Tinalak.
• Men wear t'nalak shorts, undershirts, and coats.
• Bagani heroes wear blood-red clothes and head-kerchiefs.
• Women wear wrap-around t'nalak skirts and blouses with floral patterns.
• The T'boli reside around Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
• They are known for complicated beadwork, woven fabrics, and brass ornaments.
• T'boli weavers believe their gods and ancestors teach them designs in dreams.
• Lang Dulay, a dream weaver, received the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan.
• Men cannot touch weaving materials; breaking the rules leads to ruined fiber and design.
• Tinalak production requires patience, creativity, memory, and skill learned from a young age.
• Maranao means "People of the Lake" around Lake Lanao.
• Malong is a traditional tube skirt made of woven or machine-made cotton cloth.
• Women wear it as a skirt, dress, or gown.
• Depending on folds, it becomes a hammock, basket, sleeping bag, bathrobe, or baby carriage.
• Malong is used for newborns to the dead.
• Kapa Malong Malong or Sambisa Malong is a traditional dance demonstrating the various uses of a malong.
• Yakan of Basilan weave intricate designs into textiles for clothes and accessories.
• Yakan hand-loomed fabrics use bold colors and geometric patterns.
• Seputangan: Square cloth for head cover or belts.
• Badjulapi: Tight blouse with long sleeves and gold, silver, or bronze buttons.
• Sawal: Traditional tight-fitting trousers with vertical stripes.
• Pinalantupan: Layered skirt.

Contemporary Artists in Mindanao and Their Masterpieces

• Red Genotiva (b. 1993, Davao City): draws from Japanese anime which led to serious interest in arts.
• Influenced by Mark Ryden, Ron English, Charlie Immer, Naoto Hattori, Hikari Shimoda, and Yoko D' holbachie
• Work is pop-surrealist, signing with "Oni", the Japanese word for demon, ogre, or troll
• Figures are stylized children, anthropomorphic in exaggerated proportions teem with melancholy.
• Exhibitions include "Playhouse" and "Together We are Friends".
• Norman "Nonoy" F. Narciso (b. 1975, Davao City): self-taught, inspired by the Davao arts scene.
• Participated in creative productions, community theatre, and Rondalla.
• Attended painting workshops.
• Artworks blur musical instrument, sculpture, and installation ontologies.
• Jester Gumanao, Qani (b. 1995, Davao Del Norte): family of carpenters and seamstresses.
• His work engages with fabric, metal, wood, and industrial materials.
• Described art as "a struggle due to inconsistencies and economical hindrances".
• Aims for a "sustainable and meaningful life through artistic practice."
• Dennis Puzon (b. 1995, Davao City): studied Fine Arts at Ford Academy of the Arts then University of Mindanao.
• Mentors included:
  • Banjo Satorre
  • Glenn Baga
  • Magtanggol Cadayona
  • Jimmy Ang
  • Rogelito Cayas Jr.
  • Dominador Pamisa
  • Alynnah
  • Macla Jadeo
  • Victor Dumaguing
• Paula "Pau" Magpayo Feliciano (b. 1997): from South Cotabato, studies in Matina, Davao.
• Her works are distinct and consist of surreal images.
• Exhibitions include "Art Atelier II", "Configure", Art in the Park Manila, and "Art Blast: Young Bloods and Young Hearts".
• Eloisa B. Sanson (b. 1996): from General Santos City, studied at Philippine Women's College of Davao
  • Mentored by Rodney Yap, Dominic Jurno, Romeo Dumuk III, Wilfred Dexter Tañedo, Emi Englis, and Mai Ongkiko
  • Exhibitions include the Shell National Art Competition and her school's exhibits.
• Leonardo C. Comargo Jr. (b. 1982): from Calagundian, Mati, Davao Oriental.
  • Studying Painting at the University of Mindanao.
  • Exhibits include Art Atelier at the Museo Dakawenyo, "Obra Ginagmay", and "Merging Current".
• Trexia Sola (b. 1999): from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, studies Fine Arts at the University of Mindanao.
  • Mentors: Rogelito Cayas, Jr., Alynnab Macla, Jadeo and Victor Agustus Dumaguing
  • Took art workshops including Sining Mata
  • Recent exhibits include "At the Precipice: Davao Art on the Brink of Change".
• Angelo Florante Nur Valente (b. 1995): studied at the University of Mindanao
  • Mentored by Rogelito "Jun" Cayas, Victor Agustus Dumaguing, and Alynnab Macla-Tadeo
  • Exhibits include Art Atelier Exhibition, Merging Currents (2017), and Ugnayan Art Exhibit
  • Aims to tell the stories from the society and illustrate all the ethnic groups in the country.
• Laya Boquiren is a Doctor of Philosophy in Philippine Art and Culture.
  • Co-curated Field Trip Project Asia at the Vargas Museum
  • Served as a curatorial consultant.
  • Authored a book on Willy Jadeo Layug and curated corresponding monograph.
  • Recent publications include Now Here: Access, Activate, Rewind (2018).