Assemblage by the  Philippine Arts, Letters and Media Council

On Display at the Central Library, July 2013

The word “Trapunto” is derived from the Italian word “to embroider,” a form of quilting. Artists pain their work(s) on the canvas and then apply a layer of cotton batting and a layer of backing. On the painted face of the canvas, after stitching, recycled objects found from all walks of life are applied on the canvas. The works are either framed or made into wall hangings.

Among the foremost Filipino trapunto artists was the late metro DC resident Pacita Abad – a founding member of the Philippine Arts, Letters and Media Council (PALM) – who “developed a technique of trapunto painting which entailed stitching and stuffing her painted canvases to give them a three-dimensional, sculptural effect. She then began incorporating into the surface of her painting materials such as traditional cloth, mirrors, beads, shells, plastic buttons and other objects.

PALM initiates and participated in dialogues relevant to Filipino arts, culture, traditionas and values. They hold bi-monthly pot-luck gatherings in members’ homes, and public programs to meet Philipino authors, artists and film directors.

 

Learn more about Art Exhibit at the Library.