SELF-PORTRAIT

Reflections on the role of art and artists

Each year, CANVAS invites artists to join it Art for Development Outdoor Banner Project, where they are challenged to respond to a socially relevant theme. The artworks are then converted into art banners that are displayed in pedestrian-friendly venues, such as the tree-lined Academic Oval of the University of the Philippines, the grounds of the BenCab Museum, among others. 

This year, we had asked artists to submit self-portraits as reflections of their roles as artists, and/or the role of art more generally.

The theme was decided many months ago, before the pandemic. Fortuitously, the theme has gained even more relevance in these uncertain and uncharted times. Unfortunately, health considerations and quarantine restrictions made it impossible to install the art banners as in previous years. 

Instead, the artworks and reflections will be compiled into a book which will then be distributed to public school libraries all over the country, as part of CANVAS' literacy initiatives.