Ateneo de Davao University

GE 1107 Art Appreciation

Worksheet:
Reading the Image/Object

Instructions:
1. Visit the virtual museum of Museo Dabawenyo at https://bit.ly/3g4c8uI
2. Explore the objects in the museum by navigating the buttons you see in your screen.
3. Observe each object. Select the visual art that appeals to you the most.
4. Research about the visual art that you have selected.
5. Answer the worksheet below.
6. Download this worksheet. Upload it back with your answers in this Assignment tab.
7. Write your own analysis below. Make sure to cite atleast three proper sources.
Name: Kathleen Mae P. Shitan
Class Code and Art Appreciation Schedule: 16-569 11:00AM-12:30PM MW
Date: September 24, 2022

READING THE IMAGE

Name of the Object/ Artifact: Tri-People

Photo of the Object/ Artifact:

BASIC DOCUMENTARY INFORMATION

Title of the Work/ Name of the Object: Tri-People
Name of the Artist/ Indigenous Group: Desiderio "Banjo" Satorre, Jr.
Medium and Techniques: Mixed Media
Dimensions and Measurements: 72 x 72 x 3 inches
Date of Work: 2001
Provenance: Museo Dabawenyo

THE BASIC SEMIOTIC PLANE

The Visual Elements and how they are used:
The artwork encompasses a variety of visual elements, such as colors, forms, lines,
and texture. In terms of color, complementary hues are strikingly prominent throughout the
artwork. These include yellow and violet, red and green, blue and orange, and so on.
Moreover, Desiderio "Banjo" Satorre Jr. also incorporated monochromatic colors in the
artwork by utilizing various shades of the colors mentioned above.
Additionally, geometric shapes such as circles, squares, diamonds, and ovals can be
seen in the painting. These forms are especially prevalent in the "Lumad" portion of the
picture. Furthermore, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and curved lines can be observed in the
artwork's three subjects, primarily in the painting's center. Lastly, certain ukkil or okir
patterns can be seen in the "Muslim" section of the picture, which represents the Maranaos'
inherent uniqueness and skills.

The Choice of Medium and Technique:

“Tri-People” is a two-dimensional mixed media creation made out of carving,
beading, and various paint strokes

Format of the Work:

The artwork is a square and is notably divided into three sections, portraying three
different groups.

Other Physical Properties:

In terms of texture, the artwork is smooth with a wood-like surface. It is a large
painting with dimensions of 72 x 72 x 3 inches.

THE ICONIC PLANE

The people of Mindanao are the primary subject of this artwork, which are
portrayed by three faces that depict the Moro/Islam, Christians, and Lumads (Franchesca,
2016). The Moro section employed ukkil orokir patterns, which are prominent in Maranaos
and Muslim-influenced art. Furthermore, the cross at the top of the Christian section
symbolizes Christianity. In the Lumad area, tribal and ethnic patterns are utilized to
highlight the culture of the Lumad people. Overall, the artwork depicts Davao City's cultural
diversity and how residents embrace and appreciate other cultures and customs.

THE CONTEXTUAL PLANE

The artwork shows societal significance, as it depicts peace, balance, and
appreciation of Christians, Lumads, and Muslims who harmoniously coexist in Davao City.
Various forms of violence have condemned the Philippines' southern region over the years
(Mamo, 2020). However, Davao City, located in the island group of Mindanao where the
painter was born, stands out due to its diversity and the way residents tolerate and respect
other cultures and customs (Multi-cultural Davao City, 2020). As a result, this artwork
serves as proof that cultural variety can be achieved via cultural understanding and
tolerance. In the artwork, the three groups of people are represented and given equal
spaces, which signifies harmony.

THE EVALUATIVE PLANE

Desiderio "Banjo" Satorre Jr.'s painting "Tri-People" is a work of cultural
understanding, preservation, and solidarity among many cultures and traditions. The
intricate features and elements embedded in the three faces highlight the cultures of
Muslims, Christians, and Lumads. Furthermore, one of the artwork's strengths is the way
the methods were employed, and how the visual components were incorporated to depict a
very important message. It can be said with confidence that the artist effectively delivered
the message of diversity and culture appreciation. All in all, this artwork reminds us to
recognize our differences while still appreciating our culture and customs.

REFLECTION QUESTION:
What is the power of this art?
"Tri-People" by Desiderio "Banjo" Satorre demonstrates the ability of art to arouse
our senses as it expresses the harmonious relationship between Muslims, Christians, and
Lumads in Davao. It has become a medium for people to see and realize that everyone,
regardless of culture, ideology, and beliefs, can live peacefully if respect and appreciation
are present. Moreover, it effectively paid homage to each group's distinct culture and
characteristics, emphasizing their uniqueness and beauty individually and collectively.
Although lines separate the faces, they stand as one, as Mindanaoans. With that being said,
this artwork urged me to embrace my culture and tradition and, simultaneously, appreciate
and see the value of other cultures in Mindanao.

REFERENCES:
Francesca, V. (2016, August 1). Banjo Satorre Jr –. Sundae Scoops. Retrieved September 24,

2022, from https://sundaescoops.wordpress.com/tag/banjo-satorre-jr/

Mamo, D. (2020, May 11). Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights Defenders in the Philippines

threatened and harassed. IWGIA - International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs.

Retrieved September 24, 2022, from

https://www.iwgia.org/en/news-alerts/news-covid-19/3582-indigenous-peoples-h

uman-rights-defenders-in-the-philippines-threatened-and-harassed.html

Multi-cultural Davao City. (2020, December 26). Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 24,

2022, from https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/30/multi-cultural-davao-city/