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ART AND HUMAN RIGHTS:
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Canberra Contemporary Art Space |
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Born in Baguio City, Philippines in 1949, Santiago Bose was deeply commited to Philippine indigenous values and to raising an awareness of local Philippine cultural concerns. After studying at the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines between 1967 and 1972, Bose continued his studies in the United States, at the West 17th Print Workshop in New York. He returned to Baguio in 1986 and began his explorations into the effects of colonialism on the Philippine national identity. In particular, Bose focused on the resilience of indigenous cultures, like that his home region of the Cordilleras. In line with his dedicated interest in indigenous values, Bose was a pioneer in the use of indigenous materials in his art practice, such as volcanic ash. Combining indigenous materials and found objects, Bose created assemblages that communicate a strong sense of folk consciousness and religiosity, and the strength of traditional cultures in the face of foreign cultural influences. Bose became a founding member of the Baguio Arts Guild in 1987 and was President in 1992. The Guild is an active cultural association in the northern Cordillera region, emphasising regional tribal traditions and the importance of using indigenous materials. Bose played a formative role in establishing the Baguio International Arts Festival. Santiago Bose's art has a deep political dimension with it its focus on upholding indigenous values and national identity over and against outside influences. Bose said, "...The artist cannot but be affected by his society. It is hard to ignore the pressing needs of the nation while making art that serves the nation's elite... We struggled to change society, which is difficult and dangerous, and we also sought to preserve communal aspects of life. I too am haunted by visions of hardship, poverty, disenfranchisement of the 'primitive' tribes, but between outbursts of violence and exploitation are also tenderness, selflessness and a sense of community. These will always remain unspoken and unrecognized unless we make art or music that will help to transform society. The artist takes a stand through the practice of creating art. The artist articulates the Filipino subconscious so that we may be able to show a true picture of ourselves and our world." Santiago Bose died in Baguio City on 3rd December, 2002.
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Santiago Bose
Santiago Bose |
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This page has been authorized by Professor Iain McCalman, Director HRC as relevant
officer. |
