Through his alternative archive projects that consistently elevates traditional processes, visual artist Vien Valencia deepens his relationship with life through art.
A recipient of the 2024 Thirteen Artists Award (TAA), the highest recognition given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to outstanding young Filipino visual artists, Valencia began his journey with painting as his main artistic expression while studying at the University of the Philippines (UP) under its Fine Arts Program. But eventually, he turned to and explored other media.
“Kailangan ko kasing sabayan ang paglawak ng pananaw ko sa buhay, sa tao, sa espasyo. Dapat lumawak na rin ‘yung approach at materials ko,” he explained.
Being a UP student was crucial to the foundation of Valencia’s intimate connection with the arts. He used to cut classes and head to Sunken Garden with a profound purpose: “Nagtuturo ako ng painting sa mga batang namamalimos doon. Doon, mas marami pa akong natutunan. Mas ramdam kong kaugnay ko ang kalawakan, ang lupa, ang buhay.”
Mapping the fragile path of an artist
For the upcoming TAA exhibit at the National Museum of Fine Arts this October, Valencia is preparing a durational drawing project, merging cartography and the memories of the 21 homes he lived in. He will be drawing a single white line retracing the paths that linked one home address to the next.
Fueled by his passion for alternative forms of drawing, Valencia will mark a fragile white line across asphalt, concrete, and other surfaces, tracing the routes that once connected one home address to the next.: “Walang sapat na salaping kinikita ang aking mga magulang para manatili sa iisang lugar kaya palipat-lipat kami ng bahay. Dito ako nagsimulang magtanong sa ugnayan ng tao at espasyo.”
When asked about receiving the TAA in 2024 and exhibiting his work at the National Museum this October, Valencia expressed deep honor and gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his artistic vision and talent, alongside his fellow awardees. “Nakakapagpakumbaba na magkaroon ng ganitong pagkakataon, hindi lang dahil sa espayo, kundi dahil na rin sa makakasabayan kong artists na mas malalalim at matagal na sa [art] practice,” he shared excitedly.
His body of work has consistently addressed socially relevant themes and shed light on pressing social issues. He once received the Ateneo Art Award for his work “your age, my age, and the age of the river,” which discusses the dangers of the construction of Kaliwa Dam. The art piece was in collaboration with the Dumagat-Remontado indigenous group in Tanay, Rizal.
While documenting the spiritual bond between the Dumagat-Remontado people and the Tinipak River, Valencia’s relationship with art was granted a much deeper meaning: “Tayo ay nabubuhay para makiugnay sa kinabibilangan natin, para umusisa at magpalalim ng kaalaman.”
Finding inspiration in misadventures
Inspiration and motivation for artists come in different forms. For Valencia, his thirst for life’s misadventures is his primary source for both. He urges young artists to do the same and allow their curiosity to guide them.
“Parati kayong magbitbit ng mga tanong,” Valencia advised, describing his practice as a continuous response to society’s inevitable changes.
The CCP, through the TAA, honors visual artists under the age of 40 who seek to “restructure, restrengthen, and renew artmaking and art thinking that lend viability to Philippine art.” In its 54th year, Valencia joins fellow TAA recipients Catalina Africa, Denver Garza, Russ Ligtas, Ella Mendoza, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Issay Rodriguez, Luis Antonio Santos, Joshua Serafin, Jel Suarez, Tekla Tamoria, Derek Tumala, and Liv Vinluan.
The CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division (CCP VAMD) received 82 submissions from art groups, museum and gallery directors and curators, art critics, art educators, and former TAA recipients from all over the country. Through a meticulous deliberation process, the 13 awardees were selected out of a total of 108 nominations. For more information about the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards, visit www.thirteenartists.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the CCP official website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). You may also follow the official CCP and CCP VAMD social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates on future events and public programs.
