Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, one of the 2024 recipients of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Thirteen Artists Awards (TAA), has always had a strong passion for the arts. She began her training at the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), but at one point, nearly chose a different path.
She considered pursuing accountancy, thinking it would offer the financial stability to support herself and her art.
“I was about to enroll in an accountancy program before deciding to take the Talent Determination Test at UP College of Fine Arts. When I had to decide which bachelor’s degree to take, I really wanted to pursue Fine Arts, but I hesitated because I wasn’t sure if it would be sustainable after graduation. In the end, I decided to follow Fine Arts, thinking I could always consider another career path if it didn’t work out,” Pagkaliwangan recalled.
During her studies, she also worked as an apprentice with artists she looked up to, eager to learn from their process and perspective.
Her work focuses on everyday objects and the stories they carry. Through hand-pulled prints and drawings, she explores Philippine history and material culture, drawing inspiration from natural history illustration and taxonomy to capture both personal and historical narratives.
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Preparing for the TAA Exhibition
Being chosen as a TAA awardee was a meaningful moment in Pagkaliwangan’s journey. While the recognition brought some pressure, it was also a rewarding achievement.
When asked about her plans for the upcoming exhibit at the National Museum of the Philippines, she shared that the concept is still taking shape but hinted at a thoughtful and space-specific approach.
“I plan to explore the collection of the National Museum through prints and illustrations. This will allow me to engage with the museum’s archive in a way that reflects my ongoing artistic themes,” Pagkaliwangan added.
Creative Process and Ongoing Challenges
Pagkaliwangan’s process often starts with a broad idea or curiosity. She explores it further through printmaking, illustration, research, writing, and experimentation. Conversations with fellow artists and mentors help refine her ideas and offer new ways of seeing.
For her, the challenge lies in navigating the overwhelming amount of information available today.
“Determining which sources are credible, relevant, or worth pursuing can be difficult. It’s easy to get overwhelmed because everything is competing for our attention, and information that comes quickly tends to be short-lived or surface-level,” she said.
To stay grounded, she focuses on current tasks instead of long-term goals. Right now, her attention is on completing projects, meeting deadlines, and continuing work on her exhibition.
Defining Success Through Authenticity
For Pagkaliwangan, success as an artist means staying true to one’s voice and purpose.
“Clarity of intent in our art practice, and addressing issues that resonate with both ourselves and society, and are relevant to both on a personal and collective level,” she said.
She encourages younger artists to follow what truly inspires them. Doing so, she believes, leads to meaningful discoveries—about what works for them, what doesn’t, and why their art matters.
About the Thirteen Artists Awards
Established in 1970, the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards is now in its 54th year. Originally launched by CCP Museum’s first curator Roberto Chabet, the program honors Filipino artists who contribute to renewing and reshaping local art practices.
Along with Pagkaliwangan, this year’s awardees include Catalina Africa, Denver Garza, Russ Ligtas, Ella Mendoza, Issay Rodriguez, Luis Antonio Santos, Joshua Serafin, Jel Suarez, Tekla Tamoria, Derek Tumala, Vien Valencia, and Liv Vinluan.
Their works will be featured in a group exhibition at the National Museum of the Philippines, celebrating the evolving and dynamic landscape of contemporary Philippine art.
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