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An Interview with Alvaro Jimenez on Letra's Y Figuras by Satoshi Kyo

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On my previous post, Letras Y Figuras Painting Has Found His Painter, I mentioned how one art enthusiast Satoshi Kyo - who owns Paying Patron Perspective - a website dedicated to art has featured Letras Y Figuras on one of his posts. So I contaced him, and found out that Satoshi now has one of the Letras Y Figuras painting of Alvaro Jimenez. And later, he actually go to interview Alvaro Jimenez on his journey on becoming the master of letras y figuras. And this was how it went.

This is his post. SATOSHI on Letras Y Figuras and Alvaro Jimenez


I got acquainted with this artform only after stumbling on a PASKO painting on the desk of the gallery manager of the Ayala Museum Gallery and Gift Shop in 2002. Together with it was the color proofs of the Christmas card (based on the painting) that the manager has developed for gift shop. Since then, I tried to find out more about the artist Alvaro Jimenez, but to no avail until I rediscover the Christmas cards in my desk drawer last year and tried to search the net again.

Serendipitously, a few months after I wrote the piece about Letras y Figuras, a close friend of the Alvaro Jimenez's daughter stumbled upon my piece and contacted me... to cut the long story short, a website dedicated to Alvaro Jimenez has been established and I get to interview and feature him!





SK: Do you know of anybody else doing Letras Y Figuras? Who are they?

AJ: I don’t know any particular artist who also does Letras y Figuras at present, but Instituto Cervantes has conducted a Letras y Figuras competiton before and their works were then exhibited at Metropolitan Museum of Manila in 2005.


SK: Does anybody else in your family does Letras Y Figuras?

AJ: No one.

SK: What do you think is the future of Letras Y Figuras in the Philippines?

AJ: I am hoping that in the near future, more people would appreciate this kind of artwork.

Letras Y Figuras Painting Has Found His Painter

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And so I contacted him, and they were able to reconnect with Alvaro Jimenez and had a wonderful interview. Indeed the Letras Y Figuras has found it's great filipino painter. See the interview here.

This is the post I found in Satoshi's site:
Letras Y Figuras, an Ingenious Filipino Art Form

I was looking for an appropriate Christmas card in my stash, when I saw this card, published by the Ayala Museum in the Philippines. This work by Alvaro Jimenez in watercolor in 2002 is entitled “PASKO”, which in Filipino means “Christmas”. I was very lucky to be able to negotiate and purchase the original painting in 2002 in which the card is based on. What makes this painting interesting is that it is based on the 19th century style called Letras y Figuras (Letters and Figures).



Letras y Figuras is perhaps the most unique Filipino design arts during the Spanish colonial period. It is an art form wherein the artist creatively forms letters by making the most out of the contours, colors and shadings of the different human figures, animals, plants and other objects. A letras y figuras artwork normally showcases an individual’s name – usually the patron’s. It usually integrates a variety of images that tell the story about the patron who commissioned it. A good example of this is the modern letras y figuras artwork in the Malacanang Museum of the Philippines bearing the name of Imelda Romualdez Marcos. Yes, the politician and wife of the 10th Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, who is often remembered for her collection of 2700 pairs of shoes. In her painting, buildings and institutions that she (and her husband) has established were proudly showed-off. I do wonder who painted it.

Santiago Pilar, an expert on 19th century paintings and a professor of humanities explained it as “age-tinted paintings in manila paper depicting vignettes of the 19th century Philippine life, ingeniously arranged, delineated and highlighted with color to form the letters spelling out a certain person’s name.” She believes that they are “some of the most quaint and endlessly fascinating relics of the Filipino culture in the Spanish times.”



Unfortunately, I rarely see this art form practiced in the Philippines anymore. Thinking about it, this painting by Alvaro Jimenez is the only one I have seen since 2002 despite my occasional visits to different Philippine galleries. My little bit of research indicated that the Instituto Cervantes in the Philippines used to hold an annual Letras y Figuras competition. However, the latest article I can find in relation to it was in 2005, the 10th Letras y Figuras Visual Arts Competition. Back in 2002, Instituto Cervantes presented an extensive Letras y Figuras exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila to honor this classic Filipino art form. The exhibition was composed of three modules: 1) original 19th century works from private and institutional collectors, 2) works by today’s foremost authority in Letras y Figuras painting, Alvaro Jimenez; and 3) the works of the seven finalists of the 7th Letras y Figuras Visual Arts Competition, as well as the awarded entries in previous editions of the contest.

This uniquely Filipino art genre is so rich in history and visual beauty that it would be such a loss if Filipinos stop practicing it.

For Sale Paintings of Kapampangan Women - Paintings of Filipina

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Here are the available Paintings of Kapampangan Women for sale.
The works of art of the Alvaro Jimenez, where he uses acrylic paint and paint it on banana stalks.






A native art painting of Filipina Vendors - Acrylic painting on banana stalks

Acrylic Painting of Filipina Women on Banana Stalks featuring vendors of scapulars and candles on the churches.






A native painting of filipina women pounding rice.


A native painting using acrylic on banana stalks of filipina women winnowing



For inquiries and painting order for Alvaro Jimenez  click here.

FOR SALE- Philippine Paintings Mother and Child

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Here are the top For Sale Paintings of Alvaro Jimenez Acrylic on Banana Stalk for the Mother and Child.


Here is a mother and child painting of a mother in sitting in the chair in the fields.


A mother and child painting by Alvaro Jimenez of a mother sitting beside giant water jars.


An acrylic painting on banana stalks of a mother carrying her baby.


An acrylic painting on banana stalk of a mother and child sitting on a chair at their home.


A mother and child Philippine native Painting.

A mother and child painting on banana stalk of a mother grilling corn.

For inquiries and painting orders click here.

Art Exhibit in Honor of Kapampangan Women - Alvaro Jimenez Painting Exhibit

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Last September 7, 2010 the City Governtment of San Fernando Pampanga, in celebration of the 2010 Women's Week Celebration presented an Art Exhibit in Honor of Kapampangan Women which was held at SM City Pampanga.

Showcased in the art exhibit were the great banana stalk paintings of the Alvaro Jimenez and together with him are other contemporary painters: Rellie Liwag, Rafael Manlago, and Noel Catacutan.

The event started ar around 2:00 in the afternoon and crowd and fans flocked to see the display of their favorite artists. Here are the works of Alvaro Jimenez.


Most of the presented works of Alvaro Jimenez are mother and child paintings depicting Philippine Native Art at its finest.

Biography, Exhibits and Awards of Alvaro Jimenez

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Here is the complete biography, exhibits, and awards of the best filipino painter Alvaro Jimenez.


ALVARO M. JIMENEZ
Blk. 10 Lot 10 Opportunity St. Malpitic, City of San Fernando, 
Pampanga C-2000 Philippines
Tel. No. (045) 860-4901
Cell. No. (0916)340-4652
Email Add: alvaromjimenez@yahoo.com




EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND


Elementary: St. Mary’s Academy
                   Bacolor, Pampanga


Secondary: Pampanga School of Arts and Trades
                  Bacolor, Pampanga


College: Don Honorio Ventura Memorial School of Arts and Trades
                 Bacolor, Pampanga


COURSE: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education
 Major in Architectural Drafting, Art Appreciation


ONE MAN SHOWS


YEAR                  TITLE                                                       VENUE
2004         “Arteng Capampangan”               UNIVERSITY OF THE ASSUMPTION
                                                                                City of San Fernando, Pampanga
2003         “Wine, Women and Song"           AYALA MUSEUM
                                                                                 Makati Avenue, Makati City
2001          “Ang Pinoy”                               GENLUNA GALLERY
                                                                                 Davao City
2000         “Letras y Figuras”                       GENLUNA GALLERY
                                                                                 Davao City
1998         “Filipiniana in Banana”                 GENLUNA GALLERY
                                                                                 Davao City
1997          “Sulyap”                                    LIONGOREN ART GALLERY
                                                                                Cubao, Quezon City
1997          “Sulyap II”                                GSIS MUSEO NG SINING
                                                                                Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Quezon City
1995          “Mga Imahin”                            AYALA MUSEUM
                                                                                Makati Avenue, Makati City
1994          "Ligaw Tingin”                           MANILA PAVILLION
                                                                                Malate, Metro Manila
1994          “Letters from the Heart”             AYALA MUSEUM
                                                                                Makati Avenue, Makati City
1992          “Ngayon at Kailanman”              JUPITER ART HOUSE
                                                                                Bel-Air, Makati City
1990          “Letras y Figuras, atbp.”             JUPITER ART HOUSE
                                                                                Bel-Air, Makati City
1980          “Traces of Yesteryears”              NATIONAL MUSEUM
                                                                                P. Burgos St., Metro Manila
1989           “Fiesta Series”                           HOTEL NIKKO MANILA GARDEN
                                                                                Makati City
1988           “Sariling Atin”                            AYALA MUSEUM
                                                                                Makati Avenue, Makati City
1988           “Pagsasamahan Series”              SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION
                                                                                Ayala Avenue, Makati City
1987           “Untitled”                                 GARDEN GALLERY OF MONDRAGON HOUSE
                                                                                Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City
1987           “Reminiscence on Leaves”        GALERIE BLEUE
                                                                                Rustan’s Makati
1986            “Nostalgic Journey”                 GALERIE BLEUE
                            
      
GROUP SHOWS

2005            “Letras y Figuras”                   METROPOLITAN MUSEUM
                                                                                Roxas Blvd., Manila
2002            “Letras y Figuras”                   METROPOLITAN MUSEUM
                                                                                Roxas Blvd., Manila
1993            “Aguman Capampangan”        THE ARTS LABORATORY
                                                                               London, England
1992           “Emergence”                            MERALCO THEATER
                                                                               Manila
1990           “Pampanga Artist Association” PASKUHAN VILLAGE
                                                                               City of San Fernando,Pampanga
1987           “Pampanga Day Celebration”   MANILA GARDEN HOTEL
                                                                               Makati City
1978           “Cule Capampangan”               HYATT REGENCY HOTEL
                                                                               Roxas Blvd., Manila
1977           “Pampanga Artist Group”         PAMPANGA PROVINCIAL CAPITOL
                                                                               San Fernando, Pampanga
1976           “Hiyas ng Bulakan”                 HIYAS NG BULAKAN PROVINCIAL MUSEUM’
                                                                                Malolos, Bulacan

AWARDS

1998 Philip Morris Art Competition
1990 Most Outstanding Kapampangan for the Arts (VISUAL ARTS)
1985 Metrobank Annual Art Competition
1980 Pampanga Day Celebration Painting Competition
1978 Art Association of the Philippines

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Age               :    62  years old
Date of Birth  :   February 19, 1948
Place of Birth :   Bacolor, Pampanga (Philippines)
Gender          :   Male
Religion         :   Roman Catholic
Citizenship     :   Filipino
Civil Status    :   Married to Armi Susan Y. Tiglao
Children        :   Vincent Alain T. Jimenez
 Donna Jayne T. Jimenez

Philippine Painting on Banana Stalks

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It never cease to amaze people of the craftsmanship of Alvaro Jimenez not only in his Letra's Y Figuras but also in his paintings intricately made on banana stalks as canvass. Years of practice and dedication brought him to mastering this art form depicting themes of pleasant Filipino Cultures most especially the Mother and Child Paintings.

A Closer Look at the Letras Y Figuras

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All throughout Philippine history no art can be at par with the mystery and ingenuity of the Letras Y Figuras. Continuing its legacy is Alvaro Jimenez, a noted innovator and painter from Pampanga who lived his life preserving the innocence and beauty of the endangered scenes of folk culture.

One of his great masterpiece of Letras Y Figuras is the "Jaime O. Laya" which was made for the former chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Jaime Laya. From afar, it could be seen only depicting the letters of the patron's name, however a closer look brings you to the highlights of the Philippine History.

The first name letters of "Jaime" presents the life of pre-colonial Philippines living a simple life of hunting and trade or "barter" with merchants from China. Then comes the historic Battle of Mactan and the defeat of Spanish Conquistador Ferdinand Magellan by the brave Cebuano cheiftain Lapu-lapu. However, many years later the country was colonized under Spain after the comeback of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.


Moving on is the rise of Spanish mixed Philippine culture which is mainly established on Christianity. Here depicts the solemn yet festive procession of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

And the last letters of the family name "Laya" shows the Philippine Revolution led by the Katipuneros and later on the American then the Japanese Colonization. And beautifully painted on the letter "A" is the declaration of the Philippine independence.

Indeed, it is totally amazing to witness such craftmanship just by looking at mere letters. And no one does it great than the best Filipino Painter Alvaro Jimenez.

The Magic of Letras Y Figuras by Alvaro Jimenez

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What is Letras Y Figuras?

Letras Y Figuras is an original manifest of the great Filipino sense of artistic design most especially during the colonial days. Letras Y Figuras is an art form in which the letters of the alphabets are painted in such a way that their contours are formed out of the shape of human figures, plants, animals, and quotidian objects. One artwork of Letras Y Figuras usually presents an individual's name (first name, surname "apellido", or initials) usually that of the patron.

Letras Y Figuras stunning works mainly centers on the illusory optical effects. The letras painter would spend hours depicting (even inventing) human and animal poses and actions—casual, acrobatic, or impossible—in order to form the contour of a specific letter. The illusion achieved, the finished painting held the viewer captivated in pleasurable distraction as he figured out the letters or the figures or whatever first attracted his glance.

As regards to the letras being uniquely Filipino, no old example of letter embellishment as an independent easel painting along the approach of the Filipinos’ letras has been found in any other culture. Although the art of letter embellishment may be traced back to the illumination of capital letters in medieval manuscripts, not one of these shows the deliberate exploitation of shapes of objects to form the letters.



The earliest example so far known of the letras y figuras dates to 1845 and this might have been painted in Manila at the time of the genre’s inception – if it weren’t the first one. The last extant specimens were done in the last decade of the American period, in the 1930s. By which time, there were letras y figuras painters all over Luzon region as suggested by specimens found in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Laguna – examples may still turn up in the Visayas – which shows the art form had then rooted as an artistic exercise, if not a genuine expression of the folk.

The earliest known painter of this genre, perhaps its inventor, is understandably also the most celebrated practitioner of the art – Jose Honorato Lozano. He lived from about 1821 to the 1880s. He became one of the illustrators of the magazine, La Illustracion del Oriente. His albums of watercolors of Philippine scenes became one of the most sought after items among the foreign business community. In 1995, an album of Lozano watercolors were auctioned at Christie’s London at the starting bid of 300,000 pounds.

Continuing this great legacy is one of the Best Filipino Painter - Alvaro Jimenez of Pampanga.

Article Courtesy of:
http://factoidz.com/letras-y-figuras-uniquely-filipino-art-genre/

Welcome to Philippine Native Art

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Paintings Philippines features the works of the great Filipino artist Alvaro Jimenez from his watercolor and acrylic masterpieces depicting Philippine Native Art carefully crafted in the canvass and even in unique banana stalks.