Tagpi-Tagpo: A Play of Dimensions and History in UST MFA Students’ Collective Exhibit

The University of Santo Tomas Master of Fine Arts students recently unveiled Tagpi-Tagpo, a collective exhibition that challenges perceptions of space, form, and history through experimental and sculptural artworks. The exhibit marks the culmination of three MFA subjects: Advanced Work in Abstract Art and New Media, Historiography of Philippine Art, and Advanced Work in Mural and Monumental Representation. It showcases students’ mastery of concept, technique, and material, featuring a diverse array of media—from traditional to contemporary.

Among the works on display are my own contributions using Klaypel, alongside my classmates’ pieces created in other media. My works include a zebra-themed series, exploring varying degrees of dimensionality, and Klaypel-made lampshades representing eras of Philippine art history.

Series 1: Varying Degrees of Abstraction: Stripes in the Round

The zebra motif is my signature, inspired by the new Klaypel emblem—a symbol of individualism. The main piece in this series gradually evolves from a flat canvas painting into a fully formed, colorful sculpture. This transformation mirrors my own artistic journey: stepping out from behind the surface, finding my stripes, and coming into fullness. While the technical challenges were demanding, the greater challenge was vulnerability—letting viewers see myself through my work. Identity is alive and evolving, and true growth comes from embracing that vulnerability.

Series 2: Klaypel Lampshades—Illuminating Philippine Art History

The second series uses Klaypel to craft lampshades inspired by key eras in the historiography of Philippine art. Each lampshade represents a distinct period: precolonial, Spanish, American, and Japanese, using texture, form, and light to evoke the spirit and aesthetic of each era. These pieces invite viewers to experience how an eco-friendly, tactile medium can narrate history in a contemporary and engaging way, complementing my classmates’ works in other media.

A Dialogue Between Experimentation and History

Tagpi-Tagpo thrives at the intersection of experimental form and historical narrative. My Klaypel artworks, particularly the zebra series, reflect a personal connection to the medium and a playful approach to dimensionality, while my classmates’ works in other media expand the conversation, creating a rich spectrum of artistic expression. Together, the pieces demonstrate how MFA students translate classroom concepts into tangible, interactive experiences.

Visit Tagpi-Tagpo

By presenting both contemporary experimentation and historical reflection, Tagpi-Tagpo offers visitors a chance to engage with art that is thought-provoking, tactile, and visually arresting. Whether drawn to my Klaypel zebras and lampshades or to the variety of other media explored by my classmates, the exhibition celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of inquiry nurtured in UST’s MFA program.

Exhibition Details

May 19–24, 2025

Beato Angelico Gallery

University of Santo Tomas