Pete Jimenez Shares What His ALT Philippines Showcase Is All About | ABS-CBN
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Pete Jimenez Shares What His ALT Philippines Showcase Is All About
Pete Jimenez Shares What His ALT Philippines Showcase Is All About
Janelle Roa Cabrera-Paraiso
Published Feb 20, 2024 08:15 PM PHT
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Updated Feb 21, 2024 05:31 PM PHT
In line with ALT Philippines, a local art showcase anchored in expansive and experiential collaborations and causes, seasoned sculptor and installation artist Pete Jimenez ideated something that will spark hope. Harnessing the power of light, he speaks of his latest project for ALT.
In line with ALT Philippines, a local art showcase anchored in expansive and experiential collaborations and causes, seasoned sculptor and installation artist Pete Jimenez ideated something that will spark hope. Harnessing the power of light, he speaks of his latest project for ALT.
“Para siyang tao. Kahit wasak ’yung buhay ng tao, ’pag may ilaw, ang ganda ng dating,” Pete began. “E, tayo, imperfect naman tayong mga tao, e. Pero once there is light, there is hope. In darkness, you can shine pa rin. Parang ganu’n ’yung message ko.”
“Para siyang tao. Kahit wasak ’yung buhay ng tao, ’pag may ilaw, ang ganda ng dating,” Pete began. “E, tayo, imperfect naman tayong mga tao, e. Pero once there is light, there is hope. In darkness, you can shine pa rin. Parang ganu’n ’yung message ko.”
As to where he derived his inspiration, Pete declared that the concept came through via a Bible verse and a trusted friend. “Nakita niya sa Bible ’yung verse na ’yun. Kapag nasa dark place daw, kahit na maliit lang ’yung light source, [kahit na] iisa lang, nag-i-illuminate, e. Ang ganda ng effect,” he told Metro.Style.
As to where he derived his inspiration, Pete declared that the concept came through via a Bible verse and a trusted friend. “Nakita niya sa Bible ’yung verse na ’yun. Kapag nasa dark place daw, kahit na maliit lang ’yung light source, [kahit na] iisa lang, nag-i-illuminate, e. Ang ganda ng effect,” he told Metro.Style.
From studio arts to sculpture, Pete started his stint as an installation artist in 2018. Inspired by the sense of space and its bounds, he turned to the discipline and took a leap of faith. “Mas du’n ako papunta, e, kasi alam mo ’yun, [’yun] ’yung road less-traveled. Kakaunti lang ang gumagawa nu’n lalo na dito sa Pilipinas, and I think serious artists would love to do it.”
From studio arts to sculpture, Pete started his stint as an installation artist in 2018. Inspired by the sense of space and its bounds, he turned to the discipline and took a leap of faith. “Mas du’n ako papunta, e, kasi alam mo ’yun, [’yun] ’yung road less-traveled. Kakaunti lang ang gumagawa nu’n lalo na dito sa Pilipinas, and I think serious artists would love to do it.”
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Hailing from UP Diliman College of Fine Arts, Pete’s artistic aspirations were hatched from his belief that he wouldn’t be able to earn access to financial opportunities. His fear, according to him, made him chase after a magazine career.
Hailing from UP Diliman College of Fine Arts, Pete’s artistic aspirations were hatched from his belief that he wouldn’t be able to earn access to financial opportunities. His fear, according to him, made him chase after a magazine career.
“Gusto ko kasi, sa mga magazine ako—mga ganu’ng tipo,” he recalled, revealing that he was then bothered about not being able to provide a decent food on the table. He focused on design and pursued advertising, hence, dedicating at least 38 years of his life to production and post-production.
“Gusto ko kasi, sa mga magazine ako—mga ganu’ng tipo,” he recalled, revealing that he was then bothered about not being able to provide a decent food on the table. He focused on design and pursued advertising, hence, dedicating at least 38 years of his life to production and post-production.
After being National Artist Larry Alcala’s assistant and cartoon colorist back in 1982, Pete braved both the corporate and creative track at the same time. Blessed enough to have a boss who trusts his career track and has a passion for the arts, Pete was allowed to participate in art exhibitions alongside his day job.
After being National Artist Larry Alcala’s assistant and cartoon colorist back in 1982, Pete braved both the corporate and creative track at the same time. Blessed enough to have a boss who trusts his career track and has a passion for the arts, Pete was allowed to participate in art exhibitions alongside his day job.
As a multitasker, in 2020, at 60, Pete made a decision long due. He trailed his field full-time and is now never wasting a single wink. “I retired from the advertising industry so happy na happy ako na naka-focus lang ako [sa arts]. Ang sarap pala ng freedom na ’yun. I should’ve retired earlier!”
As a multitasker, in 2020, at 60, Pete made a decision long due. He trailed his field full-time and is now never wasting a single wink. “I retired from the advertising industry so happy na happy ako na naka-focus lang ako [sa arts]. Ang sarap pala ng freedom na ’yun. I should’ve retired earlier!”
Meanwhile, Pete is hopeful to make ALT Philippines guests go above what is likely anticipated. “Sana ’yung mga tao, kapag nakita nila [’yung artwork ko], they would walk in between the installation. Ibang experience, e. Para kang pumapasok sa bituka. Ganu’ng tipo,” he teased. “In fact, pagkatapos ng ALT, puwede mo siyang ilagay sa corner ng bahay mo.”
Meanwhile, Pete is hopeful to make ALT Philippines guests go above what is likely anticipated. “Sana ’yung mga tao, kapag nakita nila [’yung artwork ko], they would walk in between the installation. Ibang experience, e. Para kang pumapasok sa bituka. Ganu’ng tipo,” he teased. “In fact, pagkatapos ng ALT, puwede mo siyang ilagay sa corner ng bahay mo.”
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“I really had fun working on this project. ’Yun naman ang bottomline ng practice ko, e. Kasi kapag walang fun, parang ayaw ko na,” he concluded. On the topic of being in the creative business, Pete has one true target on top of his objectives. “Kapag masaya ka na artist, kapag nakita ng viewer mo, masaya din sila, e. Kapag malungkot ka, malungkot din ’yung trabaho.”
“I really had fun working on this project. ’Yun naman ang bottomline ng practice ko, e. Kasi kapag walang fun, parang ayaw ko na,” he concluded. On the topic of being in the creative business, Pete has one true target on top of his objectives. “Kapag masaya ka na artist, kapag nakita ng viewer mo, masaya din sila, e. Kapag malungkot ka, malungkot din ’yung trabaho.”
Pete Jimenez ALT Philippines
Pete Jimenez ALT Philippines As to how his collaboration with ALT Philippines came into being, Pete shared, “They required me to present some concepts. Nagko-conceptualize ako until naalala ko, teka muna, may nakatago pala akong sako. Bakit hindi ’yun?” he looked back. “Hindi nila ma-picture talaga [’yung gagawin ko].
As to how his collaboration with ALT Philippines came into being, Pete shared, “They required me to present some concepts. Nagko-conceptualize ako until naalala ko, teka muna, may nakatago pala akong sako. Bakit hindi ’yun?” he looked back. “Hindi nila ma-picture talaga [’yung gagawin ko].
Pete, determined to bring it to life, translated his thoughts via a live version. “I made a mock-up so talagang tinayo ko. Sabi ko, ‘Bigyan n’yo ako ng one week, gagawa ko ng mock-up.’ I made siguro mga five, and then inilawan ko. Tapos sabi nila, ‘Yan, okay ’yan! Game. Game tayo! So sila ’yung na-excite. Para siyang cocoon na lit from inside.”
Pete, determined to bring it to life, translated his thoughts via a live version. “I made a mock-up so talagang tinayo ko. Sabi ko, ‘Bigyan n’yo ako ng one week, gagawa ko ng mock-up.’ I made siguro mga five, and then inilawan ko. Tapos sabi nila, ‘Yan, okay ’yan! Game. Game tayo! So sila ’yung na-excite. Para siyang cocoon na lit from inside.”
“Alam mo, binomba ko nang binomba ng pressurized water ’yun. Nilinis ko talaga. Madumi pa rin siya tingnan kasi gasgas na siya, e. Worn-out na, e. Kung puwede nga, itapon mo na. Basura na siya, e. Pero when I was able to put ’yung mga bulbs sa loob, ang ganda ng dating,” Pete explained.
“Alam mo, binomba ko nang binomba ng pressurized water ’yun. Nilinis ko talaga. Madumi pa rin siya tingnan kasi gasgas na siya, e. Worn-out na, e. Kung puwede nga, itapon mo na. Basura na siya, e. Pero when I was able to put ’yung mga bulbs sa loob, ang ganda ng dating,” Pete explained.
In terms of expression and approach, the visual artist shared with us a slice of secret. “’Yung workshop [ko], I call it a workshop. I don’t call it a studio kasi ’yung workshop ko, bubong lang, e—bubong lang and wala siyang walls kasi I do hot works, e—welding. Magulo. It’s a ghastly [place]. Para siyang war zone. Ang gulo-gulo. Pero ibig sabihin, may nangyayari.”
In terms of expression and approach, the visual artist shared with us a slice of secret. “’Yung workshop [ko], I call it a workshop. I don’t call it a studio kasi ’yung workshop ko, bubong lang, e—bubong lang and wala siyang walls kasi I do hot works, e—welding. Magulo. It’s a ghastly [place]. Para siyang war zone. Ang gulo-gulo. Pero ibig sabihin, may nangyayari.”
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“Ang tingin ko sa workshop ko, hindi siya factory na nagma-mass produce ako. Pero I look at it as a laboratory. Para akong weird scientist na gumagawa ng weird science na kapag ’yung experimentation, ’pag nag-fail, sumasabog. Boom! Pero ’pag sumabog ’yung experimentation mo, du’n gumaganda, e. Nagkakaroon ng discovery.”
“Ang tingin ko sa workshop ko, hindi siya factory na nagma-mass produce ako. Pero I look at it as a laboratory. Para akong weird scientist na gumagawa ng weird science na kapag ’yung experimentation, ’pag nag-fail, sumasabog. Boom! Pero ’pag sumabog ’yung experimentation mo, du’n gumaganda, e. Nagkakaroon ng discovery.”
Scroll down to read the details of our Q&A session:
Your body of work has been anchored in your advocacy of challenging conventional elitism. Can you tell us about this cause and what propelled you to champion it?
Pete: “Hindi naman ako conscious na anti-elitist. I think malaking influence kasi sa’kin ang Arte Povera, the art movement in Italy in the 1960s, which was some sort of a balancing act for the Italians na chinampion nila ’yung Arte Povera, na minatch nila ’yung Abstract Expressionism ng New York artists. Pero sila, they made use of ready-mades; they made use of everyday objects—newspapers, rugs, whatever. Arte is art; povera is poor. Parang poor man’s art, ano? Ganu’n ang itsura, pero ang ganda. Du’n ako na-inspire.”
Pete: “Hindi naman ako conscious na anti-elitist. I think malaking influence kasi sa’kin ang Arte Povera, the art movement in Italy in the 1960s, which was some sort of a balancing act for the Italians na chinampion nila ’yung Arte Povera, na minatch nila ’yung Abstract Expressionism ng New York artists. Pero sila, they made use of ready-mades; they made use of everyday objects—newspapers, rugs, whatever. Arte is art; povera is poor. Parang poor man’s art, ano? Ganu’n ang itsura, pero ang ganda. Du’n ako na-inspire.”
Your artworks feature an array of mundane and discarded materials. What has been your favorite material by far?
Pete: “Well, until today, ang go-to ko lang naman parati is metal, steel, kasi readily available sa mga junkyard. Pero nu’ng pinuntahan ko na itong installation art, I got to discover other materials like leather gloves—’yung gamit na leather gloves—by Meralco linemen. So tinahi-tahi ko isa-isa. May assistant ako dito na dalawa na yaya ko sa bahay. Kami-kami ’yung [gumawa]. Yeah, it was so fun and ang sarap pala nu’ng ganu’n. I was able to explore other materials. Like for this ALT Philippines installation, I used ’yung ‘giant sako.’ These are cement sacks na imported from Pakistan, Singapore, India, Egypt, kung anu-ano. So these are big, large, extra large bags na inilalagay nila ’yung mga maliliit na bags of cement tapos nili-lift ng crane. And then, they put it onto a cargo ship or something.”
Pete: “Well, until today, ang go-to ko lang naman parati is metal, steel, kasi readily available sa mga junkyard. Pero nu’ng pinuntahan ko na itong installation art, I got to discover other materials like leather gloves—’yung gamit na leather gloves—by Meralco linemen. So tinahi-tahi ko isa-isa. May assistant ako dito na dalawa na yaya ko sa bahay. Kami-kami ’yung [gumawa]. Yeah, it was so fun and ang sarap pala nu’ng ganu’n. I was able to explore other materials. Like for this ALT Philippines installation, I used ’yung ‘giant sako.’ These are cement sacks na imported from Pakistan, Singapore, India, Egypt, kung anu-ano. So these are big, large, extra large bags na inilalagay nila ’yung mga maliliit na bags of cement tapos nili-lift ng crane. And then, they put it onto a cargo ship or something.”
“Gusto kong gumagamit ng mga materials na discarded na simply because of ’yung pinagdaanan niya. Ang tingin ko du’n, kapag wasak ’yung materyales, may mga peklat ng karanasan, e. Hindi mo alam kung ano ’yung pinanggalingan, pero I’m sure matindi ang dinaanan.”
“Gusto kong gumagamit ng mga materials na discarded na simply because of ’yung pinagdaanan niya. Ang tingin ko du’n, kapag wasak ’yung materyales, may mga peklat ng karanasan, e. Hindi mo alam kung ano ’yung pinanggalingan, pero I’m sure matindi ang dinaanan.”
Please talk about the works you’ll be showcasing at the event. What is the theme? What inspired them?
Pete: “It varies in sizes, e. I have 60 extra large [na] parang mga lamps. ’Yung mga sako, sinabit ko sa metal structure and then individually, nilagyan ko siya ng bulb sa ilalim. So ang ganda pala niya kahit na ’yung mga sako, maduming tingnan, sugat-sugat, wasak-wasak. Tapos ’pag nilagyan mo pala ng ilaw and then in total darkness, in-on mo ’yung ilaw, ang ganda ng effect.”
Pete: “It varies in sizes, e. I have 60 extra large [na] parang mga lamps. ’Yung mga sako, sinabit ko sa metal structure and then individually, nilagyan ko siya ng bulb sa ilalim. So ang ganda pala niya kahit na ’yung mga sako, maduming tingnan, sugat-sugat, wasak-wasak. Tapos ’pag nilagyan mo pala ng ilaw and then in total darkness, in-on mo ’yung ilaw, ang ganda ng effect.”
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Can you describe your creative process when actualizing a project or an artwork? How do you usually deal with burnout and creative blocks?
Pete: “I would say I work in reverse. Ako kasi, very dependent ako sa object na available sa’kin. So kagaya niyan, wala naman akong iniisip na ganitong artwork, e, or installation, e. Pero ’yung sako itself, nakita ko. ‘Uy, may idea!’ So importante na mayru’n munang object na nasa harap ko and then I can think or I can be inspired by something.”
Pete: “I would say I work in reverse. Ako kasi, very dependent ako sa object na available sa’kin. So kagaya niyan, wala naman akong iniisip na ganitong artwork, e, or installation, e. Pero ’yung sako itself, nakita ko. ‘Uy, may idea!’ So importante na mayru’n munang object na nasa harap ko and then I can think or I can be inspired by something.”
“Hindi ko kaya ’yung iisipin ko muna and then I look for the objects. Mahirap. Mafu-frustrate ako. So ganu’n ’yung process ko ever since. Kaya kung may American picker, siguro ako ’yung Philippine picker.”
“Hindi ko kaya ’yung iisipin ko muna and then I look for the objects. Mahirap. Mafu-frustrate ako. So ganu’n ’yung process ko ever since. Kaya kung may American picker, siguro ako ’yung Philippine picker.”
Who are the important artistic influences in your life? Who do you look up to?
Pete: “I like Phyllida Barlow. She represented Great Britain in the Venice Biennale in 2017. Ang ganda ng work niya. Na-inspire ako sa kaniya kasi this old lady, 80 years old na, [pero] habang tumatanda, gumaganda nang gumaganda ’yung trabaho. So sabi ko, ’pag nakikita ko ’yung trabaho niya, wala akong excuse to slow down.”
Pete: “I like Phyllida Barlow. She represented Great Britain in the Venice Biennale in 2017. Ang ganda ng work niya. Na-inspire ako sa kaniya kasi this old lady, 80 years old na, [pero] habang tumatanda, gumaganda nang gumaganda ’yung trabaho. So sabi ko, ’pag nakikita ko ’yung trabaho niya, wala akong excuse to slow down.”
“Ganu’n din si Louise Bourgeois. Matatanda na sila pero tuluy-tuloy pa rin ’yung creative thoughts at gumagaling. They never stop.”
“Ganu’n din si Louise Bourgeois. Matatanda na sila pero tuluy-tuloy pa rin ’yung creative thoughts at gumagaling. They never stop.”
“Of course, si Antony Gormley, I like him.”
“Of course, si Antony Gormley, I like him.”
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“Sa Philippines, of course, si [Napoleon] Abueva. I like Abueva. I like Nilo Ilarde. I like the work of Nilo Ilarde. I like the way he thinks; I like the way he conceptualizes. Siyempre, si Bobby Chabet. Naging teacher ko siya sa Fine Arts. Iba mag-isip ’yun. Baka parang na-influence ako sa ganu’n.”
“Sa Philippines, of course, si [Napoleon] Abueva. I like Abueva. I like Nilo Ilarde. I like the work of Nilo Ilarde. I like the way he thinks; I like the way he conceptualizes. Siyempre, si Bobby Chabet. Naging teacher ko siya sa Fine Arts. Iba mag-isip ’yun. Baka parang na-influence ako sa ganu’n.”
“I think in my art practice, importante na you always present something that is different. Para ring produkto. Mayru’n akong advertising background, e. So ’yung produkto mo, hindi puwedeng Yakult lang parati. Siguro may Yakult na strawberry-flavored. Keep innovating. Kailangan china-challenge mo parati ’yung sarili mo, e.”
“I think in my art practice, importante na you always present something that is different. Para ring produkto. Mayru’n akong advertising background, e. So ’yung produkto mo, hindi puwedeng Yakult lang parati. Siguro may Yakult na strawberry-flavored. Keep innovating. Kailangan china-challenge mo parati ’yung sarili mo, e.”
“I keep experimenting; I keep failing. I keep learning from my failures. Bumabangon ako. Parang bata na naglalakad—kapag nadapa siya, iiyak pero dapat tumayo ka. Hindi puwedeng iyak nang iyak habambuhay, ’di ba?”
“I keep experimenting; I keep failing. I keep learning from my failures. Bumabangon ako. Parang bata na naglalakad—kapag nadapa siya, iiyak pero dapat tumayo ka. Hindi puwedeng iyak nang iyak habambuhay, ’di ba?”
What are your overall observations on the current art landscape in the country?
Pete: “Nagiging educated na ang tao who appreciate art. And then the number of very active and serious galleries, nag-multiply na. So good ’yun. Ang [kulang] lang, sana, dapat sana mas maraming public art. Wala kasing public art, e. ’Pag pupunta ka ng BGC, ’yan, may mga paintings sa mga firewall. Pero most of the paintings were done by foreigners or kinumisyon. Sana lang, mayru’ng public art or there should be an event, para lang ’yung tao, mas na-e-enjoy.
Pete: “Nagiging educated na ang tao who appreciate art. And then the number of very active and serious galleries, nag-multiply na. So good ’yun. Ang [kulang] lang, sana, dapat sana mas maraming public art. Wala kasing public art, e. ’Pag pupunta ka ng BGC, ’yan, may mga paintings sa mga firewall. Pero most of the paintings were done by foreigners or kinumisyon. Sana lang, mayru’ng public art or there should be an event, para lang ’yung tao, mas na-e-enjoy.
“Pero it’s better ha, kasi I was talking to a gallerist na based sa Singapore. He really envies the art practice and the community in the Philippines. Grabe daw, sabi niya. ‘Wala kaming ganiyan sa Singapore.’”
“Pero it’s better ha, kasi I was talking to a gallerist na based sa Singapore. He really envies the art practice and the community in the Philippines. Grabe daw, sabi niya. ‘Wala kaming ganiyan sa Singapore.’”
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ALT Philippines 2024 will run from February 23 to 25 at SMX Hall 4, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Book your tickets now at www.altphilippines.com or visit any SM Ticket outlet near you!
Lead photos courtesy of ALT Philippines
Lead photos courtesy of ALT Philippines
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