Chicago - Renowned avant-garde Chicago artist Fred DeAsis unveils his latest art concept on the opening night of the Philippine Week celebration at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago at 5pm on July 7, 2011. The innovative art style and technique,"kutbayin" coined by the artist, merges the ancient Philippine lost art technique "kut-kut” and "baybayin" the country’s pre-colonial writing system.


"I enjoy experimenting on new art techniques to present ideas whether the subject is ancient or futuristic,” the visionary artist claimed. "I recently conducted several workshops on kut-kut and baybayin. I thought it would be interesting to merge the two distinct ancient Philippine entities and call it "kutbayin" art. The encouraging response by the Lake Bluff artist group to the kutbayin preview last month provided me with an extra push to present the new art form to the public."


"We at the Instituto Cervantes are excited and honored to be hosting the world premiere of works by famed Filipino artist Fred DeAsis' kutbayin. For many years, the Philippines and Spain have shared a rich history of art and culture. It is our goal to promote and contribute to the advancement of the Spanish and Hispanic American cultures throughout non-Spanish speaking countries,” said Ignacio Serrano Olmos - Executive Director of the Instituto Cervantes in Chicago.
 
Fred DeAsis is one of the most prolific Filipino American artists in America. He is well known for his traveling cultural art exhibits, workshops,  and Philippine ancient art and culture lectures in universities and other learning institutions. He was the recipient of many awards from civic organizations and communities for outstanding achievement in promoting artsand culture across the country.
 
In 2010, he received the much coveted CFO Presidential Award from the president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, for outstanding achievement and service in the field of Arts and Culture. The international award is given every two years to highly selected individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements on their given field. Last year’s awards were presented to 24 recipients from 13 countries.
 
Last June 19th, Jose Rizal's birth day, DeAsis successfully flew a giant kite-flag at Rizal Park in Chicago to commemorate the event. Many thought that the artfully designed kite would not take off because of its enormous size and weight, but he proved them wrong. The ambitious and challenging art feat has never been done before. Little did the pundits know that the artist has been a master kite builder since his early age.
 
"The Philippine Week at the Instituto Cervantes is one of the highlights in celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of our national hero Jose Rizal. The event is spearheaded by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago. We will have a book donation, discussion of Rizal's travel in America and historical photo exhibit during the week. Coincidentally, we are so happy  and proud that the opening night also unveils the "Kutbayin" artwork exhibit by renowned Filipino American artist and Philippine art and culture lecturer Fred DeAsis,"  said Ed Brotonel, president of Filipino American National Historical Society, Midwest chapter.
 
Visit DeAsis' Facebook page and website for artful events and updates. He could also be contacted via email, artist@fdeasis.comfor interest or inquiries on workshops and cultural events he offers.


A huge turnout is expected on the opening night and into the week long cultural celebration. The Instituto is located at 31 W. Ohio Street in downtown Chicago. It is open to the public daily except on Sunday.

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine