WASAK!

Filipino Art Today

Die wichtigsten Künstler der Philippinen

Two years after the publication of the widely acclaimed first compendium of contemporary Indonesian art, the series of books on the Asia-Pacific region continues with the first survey of nineteen up-and-coming Filipino artists. The volume sketches a comprehensive panorama of contemporary art in the Philippines—one of the most exciting art scenes still awaiting discovery.
Each artist is featured with color plates of six to eight recent works as well as a portrait and a brief introduction to his or her concepts and techniques. An essay by the art critic and filmmaker Cocoy Lumbao lays the foundation for a discussion of the state of the arts in the Philippines and its relation to tradition, religion, film noir, pop imagery, contemporary urban culture, and the cultural clashes between these influences. Rounded out by exhibition histories and bibliographies for each artist, this book is an indispensable companion to contemporary Filipino art.

The title “Wasak!” refers to a Filipino slang expression. Literally meaning “broken,” “ruined,” or “wrecked,” it is used to express astonishment and enthusiasm (compare the use of “fuck” in contemporary vernacular English).

Artists: Zean Cabangis, Annie Cabigting, Buen Calubayan, Louie Cordero, Marina Cruz, Jigger Cruz, Kawayan de Guia, Alfredo Esquillo, Ian Fabro, Nona Garcia, Pow Martinez, Manuel Ocampo, Alwin Reamillo, Norberto Roldan, Kaloy Sanchez, José Santos III, Rodel Tapaya, Tatong Torres, and Ronald Ventura