UP Fine Arts sets exhibit, Joya awards

The University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fine Arts department will have its 37th annual student exhibit and 36th National Artist Jose Joya Awarding Ceremony at the SM City Cebu Art Center on Feb. 10.

Gerald Ismael Pongase, UP Fine Arts Student Organization (FASO) chairman, said the exhibit is a competition among UP Fine Arts students.

“This is also done in honor of Joya. This is a tribute to a great pillar of art,” he added.

The exhibit will feature concept-based paintings. “They are not like the usual (paintings) whose subjects are landscapes. Students will use mixed media in their work. There will also be construction type of art aside from paintings,” Pongase said.

He said the public can expect new artworks that would surely speak for the society. “There is something new every year,” Pongase explained.

The Jose Joya Awards started in 1976 when National Artist Jose Joya was then the Dean of the College of Fine Arts in UP Dilliman.

This award is a commitment by the late national artist to support the local Fine Arts.

The UP Cebu College Fine Arts Program was the first Fine Arts school outside Luzon and was chosen by Jose Joya to be given support.

The exhibit will serve as a training ground for the Fine Arts students for their solo exhibit in the future.

The  winning students will receive cash prizes and medals courtesy of the Jose Joya Estate.

The exhibit is open to the public until Feb. 20.

Students are encouraged to view the exhibit.

For further information on the event, call the UP Arts and Humanities cluster office at 2338202.