PAP goes nationwide with ‘Limbag Sining’

Printmaking being a highly technical medium requires ample training for the artist. As one goes through the process of learning from others, experiencing the medium and discovering new things, he cannot help but have the desire to extend the same to others. Thus, with the collective intention of the Philippine Association of Printmakers to bring printmaking to as many Filipinos possible, Bakat ng Limbag Sining, an NCCA-sponsored outreach project, is brought to realization.

Translated to English, Bakat ng Limbag Sining is "imprint of printmaking." It is the title given to PAP’s major project of the year. Consisting of two components – first, a traveling exhibit of 52 fine prints from the collection of the PAP, and second, a simultaneous workshop on the different printmaking techniques for artists and art enthusiasts – it allows the PAP to literally bring printmaking to 10 destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Amidst a typhoon, there was no stopping the PAP team to launch it in August at the Tamawan Village, Baguio City. Noted artist and printmaker Bencab together with Cecille Jabito, Tamawan director, joined efforts with PAP in recruiting, providing the venue and registering 30 participants, a few even coming from La Union and Pangasinan for the five-day event.

Late August, the team, again equipped with two table top etching presses, metal plates, papers, inks, complete printmaking materials set off for Calbayog, Western Samar. Primarily organized with the Calbayog Art Association headed by Armando Toleza, the workshop was participated in by 30 eager new printmakers, who as a result organized a printmaking association even before the team left.

A two-day weekend workshop at Nemiranda’s café/gallery in Angono saw the same enthusiasm of artists for this medium. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, they brought the same to Pampagueños in Angeles City. As scheduled, they will be going to the following: Bohol from Oct. 11 to 17; Cebu from Oct. 18 to 23; Bacolod from Nov. 4 o 10; Iloilo from Nov. 11 to 17; Davao from Nov. 25 to 30 and Butuan from Dec. 9 to 15.

The exhibit component is envisioned to expand the general public’s consciousness of the Filipino’s artistry in printmaking and lasts for two weeks at every location. It is composed of fine prints by National Artists Botong Francisco, Arturo Luz, Manansala and Cesar Legaspi; PAP founder Manuel Rodriguez, Sr.; works by Bencab, Sanso, Malang, Raul Isidro, Pandy Aviado, Fil Delacruz, Roger San Miguel, Jose Delima, Benjamin Torrado Cabrera, Jesus Flores, Bernard Temporosa, Chris Bayani, Amy Soini, Ambie Abaño, Susan Fetalvero-Roces, Charito Bitanga, Neil Dolorican, Carolyn Fitzpatrick, Lenore RS Lim, Troy Ignacio, Salvador Convocar, Al Perez and Mariko Jacinto. A catalogue of the show is distributed for free. This is made possible with the cooperation of NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) and co-sponsorship of Metrobank Foundation and Keenworth International Corp.

PAP is very much alive and active. Under the leadership of Raul Isidro, recently re-elected PAP president, forthcoming projects are geared towards increasing the understanding, use and appreciation of printmaking and raising the level of creative interest and quality of print art in the entire Philippines.