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2007 Metrobank
Art and Design Excellence (MADE)
The Cast Histories and Carved Memories
of
Juan Sajid Imao
October 2007
 These past few decades has seen a renaissance in Philippine sculpture. Onceprimarily perceived as inert historical monuments devoid of the energy and passion more evident in other visual arts, renewed interest in public art has pushed sculpture to the fore, giving young sculptors the chance to revision their craft for the enlightenment and enjoyment of their communities. Among these artistic trailblazers is Juan Sajid Imao, the 2007 Metrobank Foundation Prize for Achievement in Sculpture (MPAS) awardee.
Molding a nation of heroes
Sajid believes that an artist’s greatest contribution to society is the preservation ofculture and history through his masterpieces. “As an artist, I can help foster greater appreciation and support for Philippine art by continuously creating works that inspire people. Cultivating a legacy of excellence is what I am committed to do,” he says. It comes as no surprise then that among his more renowned works are monuments of national heroes like Lapu-Lapu (Agrifina Circle), Gabriela Silang (Abra) and Jose Rizal (Fort Santiago, Cavite and Ateneo de Manilla). A noted classical portrait sculptor, Sajid brings life to these historical figures by depicting them in action, their noble spirit captured in nuanced facial expressions.
By using cast metal as his medium of choice, he preserves an age-old lost wax method used by classical artists and local tribes. ”I read a lot of books on history and art, from here and abroad. I believe doing so will enrich my own art,” he adds. Indeed, Sajid admits to deriving inspiration from traditional indigenous motifs like the curvilinear ukkil used by Maranaos and Tausugs.
While Sajid’s monuments are noted for being dynamic and expressive, he also wants the public to interact with and learn from his art, a feat best achieved by “Kasaysayan sa Bawat Oras.” Located in Fort Bonifacio Global City, this massive bronze sundial invites both children and adults to explore its intricate, sarimanok-inspired features – which tells the story of the Philippine Revolution – while experiencing one of the most ancient ways of telling time. “May the sundial serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come as a nation, and how far we can go,” says Sajid.
As a sculptor involved in creating commissioned works for various community spaces, Sajid makes art more accessible to the greater public. “His remarkable sculptural works grace the cityscape, inspiring people to live up to noble ideas…humanizing public spaces and environments threatened by urban degradation,” notes celebrated art critic Cid Reyes, a member of the distinguished panel of judges that selected Sajid as the recipient of this year’s MPAS award.
Nurturing personal visions
While Sajid’s larger-than-life monuments embody historical events and grand narratives, his more recent works are imbued with a quiet strength. Much smaller in scale – an aesthetic innovation in part due to the effects of retinitis pigmentosa, a congenital affliction he has lived with since 1995 – these works enable Sajid to contemplate on the private, everyday moments that History often elides. At times, these take on the form of functional art that can be integrated into home environments, where the sleek lines and tactile surfaces of Sajid’s work bear witness to the ups and downs of family life.
Sajid’s new artistic direction was brought to the fore in his 2006 exhibitions, most notably “Lahi,” a joint exhibit with his father, National Artist for Sculpture Abdulmari Asia Imao. While the elder Imao’s works celebrated the cultural heritage of Muslim Filipinos, Sajid articulated the theme of lahi, or lineage, in intimate vignettes depicting the joys and pains of parenthood. Consisting mostly of brass father-and-son sculptures mounted on a carved basalt base, these works signal a departure from his classical portraits. Finely traced features are replaced by angular yet fluid forms, spirited expressions giving way to subtle intimations of emotion.
The reverence and affection for strong filial bonds so evident in his recent work mirrors Sajid’s personal relationship with his family. “The unconditional love I get from my family has all the more inspired me to do my best in my art,” he shares. His wife Cielo quit work to devote herself fulltime to Sajid and his art, while his children Juri and Aria are his number one fans.
Recognizing young talent
With numerous accolades – including being recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World in 2006 – and a supportive family behind him, Sajid is ready to take on the next phase of his life and career. “I believe in constantly honing my craft and letting it evolve,” he says.
As the 2007 MPAS awardee, Sajid joins Dan Raralio, Duddley Diaz and Peter de Guzman in the elite circle of pioneering young sculptors recognized by the Metrobank Foundation Art and Design Excellence program for their significant contributions to the development of Philippine sculpture. But while Sajid cherishes this recognition accorded by his peers, he believes that the there are other young artists that need the support and appreciation of the public. “We have a lot of extremely talented young artists who deserve due recognition. MADE has provided a venue to showcase the art of these deserving young artists and in the process, give them the exposure they need.”
MADE advocates through the arts, a creative and sustainable environment for holistic human development, thus the tagline, “Your Environment Shapes You.” This annual Competition in Architecture, Interior Design, Painting and Sculpture aims to recognize talented artists with the passion to make our world responsive, sensitive and constantly dynamic. MADE is co-presented in partnership with Federal Land, Bluprint magazine, United Architects of the Philiipines, Philippine Institute of Interior Design and Metrobank Card Corporation.
The Metrobank Foundation is the corporate social responsibly arm of the Metrobank Group of Companies. Over the last 28 years, it has promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs notably the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, The Outstanding Philippine Soldier, Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service, the Metrobank Math Challenge, and College Scholarship Program. The Foundation also has a grants program that assists NGOs and government in the fields of education, healthcare, and the arts. Metrobank Foundation celebrates Filipino excellence and presents wellsprings of hope in the future of our nation. |
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