Interview Gabrielle de la Cruz
Images Metrobank Foundation (MADE 2023) and Jowee Aguinaldo
G R A N D A W A R D E E
Oil/Acrylic on Canvas Category
Jowee Anne M. Aguinaldo
Puro Kahig, Walang Matuka (All Scratch, No Peck)
Jowee Anne Aguinaldo’s painting, “Puro Kahig, Walang Matuka,” won the Grand Award in the Oil/Acrylic on Canvas category. It portrays the plight of Filipino farmers whose livelihoods get little support. The farmers are working tirelessly on barren land, forming the image of a dinner table, which symbolizes togetherness. The painting highlights the irony of farmers working to put food on everyone’s table except their own. The colors of the farmers’ clothes allude to the Philippine flag, emphasizing the central message of the work. Aguinaldo’s painting raises awareness of the farmers’ situation and the need to support them. Text by Janine Bernardo of Metrobank Foundation
Hi, Jowee! Can you walk us through your creative process? Do you plan your works beforehand or do you let them take shape as you go? Also, how long does it usually take you to finish a piece?
Jowee Aguinaldo: Before I start painting, I always plan out my work. Conceptualizing takes up most of my time since I brainstorm many ideas and go through several iterations before deciding on the final concept. Once the concept is finalized, I start working on the canvas. The amount of time it takes to complete the project usually varies from two to three weeks, depending on the size of the painting.
Your award-winning piece, Puro Kahig, Walang Matuka, makes use of color contrasts and symbolic posturing to deliver its main message. Do you frequently use these techniques in your work? What other mechanisms do you employ when creating art?
Jowee Aguinaldo: Incorporating symbols into my artworks is a common practice for me, as it is an effective means of conveying messages to viewers. I also enjoy experimenting with various techniques and mediums, allowing me to express my creativity by exploring textures, colors, and forms. My inspiration stems from the individuals and society surrounding me.
Puro Kahig, Walang Matuka is centered on your agriculture background and genuine concern for Filipino farmers. What are your thoughts on the current state of farming in the Philippines? What kind of future do you envision for farmers in the next five to twenty years?
Jowee Aguinaldo: The current state of farmers in the Philippines has not seen much improvement over the years. Unfortunately, they remain among the poorest in the country, facing numerous challenges that have persisted for a long time. This is precisely why farmers are the main topic of my paintings. Being a graduate of agriculture, I aim to shed light on their struggles through my art. I want to raise awareness about their plight and advocate for their rights and improved conditions.
The future of Filipino farmers in the next five to twenty years remains uncertain. It depends on various factors, including government policies and the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at improving their conditions. Despite these uncertainties, I sincerely hope that our farmers receive the attention they deserve. May their lives become as abundant as their harvest, and may they enjoy improved living conditions, reduced poverty, and the support they need to thrive in the years ahead.
“I am grateful that the message I wanted to convey through my painting has reached a wider audience…Art is truly effective in conveying messages to viewers.”
You have created various paintings in response to prevalent social issues and concerns such as poverty, women’s empowerment, and even the recent Philippine elections. What other themes do you plan to explore in the future? Do you plan to utilize other creative mediums as well?
Jowee Aguinaldo: I intend to use my art to advocate for marginalized and minority groups in our country. I want to be their voice and bring to light their concerns and issues through my craft. While I do have plans to explore different creative mediums in the future, for now, I want to concentrate on using oil or acrylic as my medium of choice.
What does this MADE Grand Award mean to you? How does it feel to have a message that you are very passionate about narrated to a wider audience through a platform such as MADE?
Jowee Aguinaldo: Winning the MADE Grand Award means a lot to me. It will help me fulfill my dream of becoming a renowned artist and give me the opportunity to learn more in the field of art. I am grateful that the message I wanted to convey through my painting has reached a wider audience. Many people are becoming more aware of our farmers’ situation, and I hope it brings about positive change in our society, especially for our farmers. Art is truly effective in conveying messages to viewers. •
The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, sixteen (16) years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). MBFI envisions to be the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development. Its flagship programs include the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos; Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE); Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP); Metrobank MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC); Grants and Social Development Partnerships, Disaster Response, National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration, and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures. MBFI is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), one of the leading centers of wellness in the country.
As a development organization, MBFI aims to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with institutions for a shared-purpose. By creating and propagating a culture of excellence and providing solutions to stakeholder’s needs, the Foundation continuously expands its scope of reach and is at the forefront in serving communities. As the heart of the Metrobank Group, “Excel. Engage. Empower” or the 3Es remains its roadmap.
