Balhag: Bridging the Worlds of Printing and Printmaking

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“Balhag: Printing and Printmaking” opened in the Lantip Changing Exhibition Gallery 1 of the UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (MACH) on 18 October 2023, 4pm.

The exhibition offers viewers a glimpse of the development of printmaking in the Philippines and Western Visayas.

It features works by pioneering Filipino printmakers such as Manuel Rodriguez Sr., Pandy Aviado, Ofelia Gelvezon Tequi, Brenda Fajardo, Neil Doloricon, Juvenal Sanso, Santiago Bose, Fil de la Cruz.

The show also presents the works of some West Visayan artists who also did prints – Ed Defensor, PG Zoluaga, Angela Silva among others.

Publications including books and illustrated magazines, some dating back to the 1700s, that provide an invaluable glimpse into the history of printed materials in the country are included in this landmark exhibit.

Printing and printmaking share the same fundamental process, using ink and pressure to transfer texts, images, or designs from one surface to another.

While printing is primarily focused on producing materials for reading, such as books and newspapers, printmaking is an artistic endeavor, creating multiple copies of unique works of art, each meticulously crafted by the artist.

“Balhag,” a Hiligaynon term that means to print or impress, encapsulates the essence of both printing and printmaking. It is a fascinating word that not only connects the two processes that have made an impact on human communication and expression.

The exhibit, curated by Martin Genodepa, aims to foster appreciation for the artistry of printing and printmaking while also providing their value to cultural heritage through knowledge dissemination, and artistic expression.

The exhibit will run until February 2024 at Lantip Changing Exhibit Gallery 1. UPV MACH is open Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Admission is free.