The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has revealed the recipients of its 2024 Thirteen Artists Awards (TAA), recognizing young visual artists who have significantly influenced contemporary Philippine art.
This year’s awardees are Catalina Africa, Denver Garza, Russ Ligtas, Ella Mendoza, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Issay Rodriguez, Luis Antonio Santos, Joshua Serafin, Jel Suarez, Tekla Tamoria, Derek Tumala, Vien Valencia, and Liv Vinluan.
The selection process involved rigorous evaluation by a committee comprising esteemed past awardees and art experts, including Phyllis Zaballero (1978), Antipas Delotavo (1990), Buen Calubayan (2009), and Wawi Navarroza (2012), alongside CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division officer-in-charge Rica Estrada Uson.
From 108 nominations and 82 submissions, the committee assessed nominees on their artistic innovation, integrity, and engagement with contemporary themes, emphasizing their contributions to Philippine art.
Each of the Thirteen Artists Awardees brings a distinct approach to contemporary Philippine art. Catalina Africa incorporates natural landscapes into her multidisciplinary works, while Denver Garza delves into psychosocial themes influenced by his experience as a mental health worker.
Russ Ligtas explores Filipino identity through alter egos and mythology, and Ella Mendoza reimagines ceramics by blending functional ware with conceptual sculptures.
Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan examines Philippine history using prints and drawings, whereas Issay Rodriguez integrates humanism and ecology through art and technology.
Luis Antonio Santos reflects on themes of memory and isolation in his paintings and photography, while Joshua Serafin employs performance art to address transmigration and queer politics.
Jel Suarez constructs collage-based visual texts, and Tekla Tamoria draws inspiration from diverse patterns to create textile art.
Derek Tumala connects art with science and nature to explore interconnectivity, Vien Valencia focuses on alternative archives tied to anthropology and history, and Liv Vinluan examines mortality and historical cycles in her artistic practice.
Established in 1970 by Roberto Chabet as a curatorial project, the TAA transitioned into a formal awards program under Raymundo Albano. Now in its 54th year, the awards occur triennially, honoring artists who “restructure, restrengthen, and renew” Philippine art.