University of

Batangas
LIPA CITY

Concepcion, Jamaica P. Art Appreciation

BSIE 1B-S Prof. Nichole Ariola

Artist Study

My 3 Indigenous Filipino Artist’s names:

1. Jordan Mang-osan (Solar Pyrography Drawing, Igorot)

2. Waway Saway (Soil Painting, Talaandig tribe)
3. Uwang Ahadas (Musician, Yakan)
• He went near blind when he was five years old even though he is blind music
became his constant companion.
• He was proclaimed as a “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” (GAMABA) or
“National Treasure Awardee” in 2000 for tradional music, his dexterity in
playing Yakan musical instruments such as the kwintangan, gabbang
(bamboo xylophone), agung, kwintangan kayu (five wooden logs hung
horizontally, tuntungan and also for his deep knowledge of the aesthetic
possibilities and social contexts of these instruments.
• He has devoted his life to the teaching of Yakan musical traditions and pass
down his teachings and art to his young students.

How does his artwork made you feel?

Uwang Ahadas’ artwork is playing different musical instrument of the Yakan

people. He is a musician that the Yakan individuals are proud of because of his expertise
in playing instruments and love of music despite the fact that he is blind. His artwork
reminds me of the quote of Antoine Saint, “It is only with the heart that one can see
 University of
Batangas
LIPA CITY

rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”. He proved that even though a person is
disabled, nothing will deter him from succeeding in life. He did not believe that simply
because he was blind meant that the rest of his life would be dark. Since having met him
for academic purposes, I have developed a deep admiration for him. He provided me
with motivation and inspiration to perform even better in the face of life's challenges.
Moreover, he is a Filipino artist that we must be proud of because he passes his skills on
to the younger ones so that they can continue their proficiency in using musical
instruments. He is blind, but he is an educator for the benefit of others and their
culture. In general, his artwork made me feel that I am pleased and grateful in which it
has served as an inspiration to others, including me. It is also one of the reasons I am
proud to be a Filipino citizen.

Draw something that reminds you of your artist:

Just a brief information on my drawing, so as a portrayal of Uwang Ahadas as a

blind man, I drew a blindfolded man. Behind him is a tree that I used to reflect music, as
music is Ahadas' companion in his dark world. In addition, one thing that reminds me of
him is his perseverance and intelligence when it comes to music.

“Without music, life would be a blank to me.” – Jane Austen

University of
Batangas
LIPA CITY