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 at least three proper sources.

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: Davao City, Mindanao
THE BASIC SEMIOTIC PLANE
In his work "Tri-People," Desiderio "Banjo" Satorre, Jr., made use of a range of visual
elements, including colors, forms, lines, and texture. This artwork makes use of both
monochromatic and complementary colors, such as red and green, orange and blue, yellow
and violet, and more. The artwork contains a variety of geometric shapes, including circles,
squares, ovals, and diamonds, with the "Lumad" standing out in particular. In the
meanwhile, both straight and curved lines, such as horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and
curved lines are observed, particularly in the painting's center. Additionally, this piece of
art has a smooth, gliding texture that resembles wood.

THE ICONIC PLANE

This artwork's three faces represent Mindanao's three residents and cultures
(Francesca, 2016). The first face of the artwork represents the "Islam" section which
focuses on ukkil and orokir patterns, which are common in Maranaos and Muslim-
influenced art. The second face has a cross that represents Christianity is highlighted in the
painting's "Christian" region of the forehead. The third face has geometric patterns that are
woven throughout the "Lumad" area of the picture are highlighted. This piece of art makes
a specific point about the cultural diversity of Davao City and the way its people respect
and value other people's cultures. The author of this work wishes to convey their
enthusiasm for the local arts and culture as a result.

THE CONTEXTUAL PLANE

The artwork's theme is significant to society. The artwork shows the peaceful
coexistence of Christians, Lumads, and Muslims in Davao City, as well as their sense of
balance and appreciation for one another. Over the years, various forms of violence have
misinterpreted and vilified the southern area of the Philippines. Because of this, "the locals
have a reputation for being violent, and some would contend that traveling to this part of
the Philippines is risky and unsafe" (ReliefWeb, 2020). On the other side, Mindanao stands
out because of its diversity and how its people accept and tolerate different cultures. As a
result, this work of art shows that tolerance and cultural understanding can lead to
increased cultural diversity.

THE EVALUATIVE PLANE

The artwork "Tri-People" by Desiderio "Banjo" Satorre, Jr. promotes
multiculturalism, cultural preservation, and a sense of community among various
traditions and cultures. The three faces' intricate features and significance reflect the
Muslim, Christian, and Lumad traditions and the harmony of the three groups' peaceful
intercultural coexistence in Davao City. Furthermore, one of the artwork's qualities is how
the techniques and visual elements were combined to produce a masterpiece. The message
of this piece is to value our cultures' variety. Therefore, this artwork reminds us to respect
our diversity while understanding our culture and traditions.
REFLECTION QUESTION
What is the power of this art?
This artwork by Desiderio "Banjo" Satorre, Jr., is a perfect example of how art can
stimulate our senses and benefit the creator. This piece of art awakens our senses since it
captures the peaceful coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Lumads in Davao City over
the years. Additionally, via this art, which possesses the power of art for the artist, the artist
hopes to demonstrate our respect for culture and diversity. This piece of art thus taught me
the importance of valuing our culture and traditions. This artwork also helped me to
understand the value of respecting and tolerating different customs and civilizations.

REFERENCES:
https://mpembed.com/show/?m=z1uUitQfz5G&dh=0&minimap=1&logo=https://
live.staticflickr.com/65535/50235331936_0d6e452482_t.jpg&details=1&copyright=Pacific
%20Impact
https://sundaescoops.wordpress.com/tag/banjo-satorre-jr/
https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/insecurity-mindanao-conflict-and-state-
sponsored-violence