Pacita Barsana Abad, a Filipino-born American Ivatan self-taught visual artist.
Pacita Abad’s Life Story (Simple Version):
Pacita Abad was a Filipino artist born in Batanes in 1946. She studied political science but
later followed her passion for art. She moved to the U.S. to study painting and traveled to
over 50 countries, which inspired her colorful and unique style. She became known for her
trapunto paintings, using fabric, beads, and stitching. Pacita painted bold works about
people, cultures, and social issues. In 2004, she painted Singapore’s Alkaff Bridge. She
passed away the same year, but her art continues to inspire the world.
Pacita Abad’s Training & Influences:
Studied art in the U.S. at Corcoran School of Art and Art Students League in New York.
Traveled to 50+ countries, learning from different cultures and traditions.
Inspired by folk art, textiles, social issues, and everyday people.
Created trapunto painting, combining painting with sewing and mixed materials.
Awards and Recognition
TOYM Award (1984): First woman to win the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the
Philippines award.
Gawad CCP (2004): Honored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines for her work in
visual arts.
Prince Claus Award (2004): International award from the Netherlands for her artistic
and social impact.
Asian Cultural Council Grants: Supported her art and travels.
Global Exhibits: Her art was shown in over 200 museums and galleries worldwide.
Alkaff Bridge (2004): First woman to paint an entire bridge in Singapore.
Interesting Facts
1. She Invented Her Own Art Technique
2. She Traveled to Over 50 Countries
3. She Painted an Entire Bridge
4. She Was a Trailblazer for Women
5. Her Studio Was an Extension of Her Art
6. Her Life Partner Supported Her Vision
7. She Merged "High Art" with Traditional Crafts
8. She Used Art to Talk About Big Issues
Title: Flight to Freedom
Year: 1990
Materials Used: Painted and stitched canvas, hand-sewn textiles, traditional cloth, buttons,
beads, mirrors, and other found objects (typical of her trapunto style)
The artwork by Pacita Abad is bright, colorful, and full of energy. It shows a face in the
center, surrounded by swirling patterns and shapes. The face has bold red and purple lines, big
eyes, orange lips, and curly hair. Around it are wavy, vibrant designs in red, pink, blue, orange,
and green.
The painting feels alive, almost like it’s moving, and it’s full of texture because of the
way the cloth and materials are stitched together. It’s playful but also powerful, like it’s telling a
story about identity or emotion.
Fidel Antiporda Go is a Filipino artisan from the Philippines known for his work in
traditional burnay pottery.
Fidel Antiporda Go, born in 1939, is a Filipino-Chinese artisan renowned for his mastery
in traditional burnay pottery. He inherited the Ruby Pottery in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, from his
father, Ongkai Go, and his uncle, Igan Go. In 1990, he was honored with the Gawad Manlilikha
ng Bayan (National Folk Artist Award) by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for
his exceptional craftsmanship. At 84, he continues to be a pivotal figure in preserving this
traditional art form.
Training and Influences
Fidel Antiporda Go, born in 1939, is a Filipino-Chinese artisan renowned for his mastery
in traditional burnay pottery. He inherited the Ruby Pottery in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, from his
father, Ongkai Go, and his uncle, Igan Go. In 1990, he was honored with the Gawad Manlilikha
ng Bayan (National Folk Artist Award) by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for
his exceptional craftsmanship. At 84, he continues to be a pivotal figure in preserving this
traditional art form.
Awards and Recognition
Fidel Antiporda Go has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions to
Filipino craftsmanship:
Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Folk Artist Award): In 1990, the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts honored him with this award for his exceptional
skill in traditional burnay pottery.
Centennial Award: In 1998, he was one of 100 Filipino artists awarded this honor,
celebrating his significant contributions to Philippine arts and culture.
Interesting Facts
1. Family Tradition: He learned pottery from his father, who started Ruby Pottery in 1922.
2. Burnay Pottery: He is famous for making burnay pottery, a traditional Filipino clayware
used for storing food.
3. National Artist: Fidel was named a National Folk Artist in 1990 for his skills in pottery.
4. Preserving Culture: His work helped keep the craft of burnay pottery alive, passing it to
future generations.
5. Teaching Others: He continues to make pottery and teach young people about the craft.
Title: Burnay Jar
Year: 1990s
Material Used: Clay, Sand, and Water
Fidel Go's burnay jars often feature intricate designs, like geometric patterns and images of
animals. These designs represent Filipino culture and traditions, showing a connection to nature
and everyday life. The jars are not only functional for storing things but also symbolize the
craftsmanship and history of the Philippines, especially in Vigan, where this pottery tradition has
been passed down for generations.
