ABSTRACT RHYTHMS
Hernando R. Ocampo’s Vision in Motion
I. Debriefing
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Before coming up with Abstract Rhythms, I spent time researching Hernando R. Ocampo and his work. His bold colors, geometric forms, and the way he used abstraction to express social themes stood out to me, he reminds me of my grandfather who also love doing abstract art, One of his artwork that also supports this project is his abstract painting of his late mother that shows selflessness, sacrifice, and the struggles of poverty.
Moreover, I can also say I have explored and incorporated social themes into my work, way back when I was just in grade school. Participating in Poster making Contest's and Scrap Art Competitions was my pride and joy. This connection made me realize that abstract art is more than just shapes and colors it holds deep emotions and stories, just like realism does. Ocampo’s work reinforced the idea that art can powerfully convey meaning, even without recognizable forms, and that abstraction allows us to feel and interpret in a more personal way.
II. A: Research (Text) H.R.
Mr. Ocampo was born on April 28, 1911 and died on December 28, 1978. He is a National Artist for Visual Arts of 1991 known because of his works that give social awareness and understanding of nationalism despite of the madness present in our society right after World War II. His works contemplated on the aspects of the Philippines itself through bold abstract figures and colors. One of his highly appreciated work is the Genesis.
The Genesis give us a picture of a burning fire with faces. The abstract shows the evasiveness of fire within our society right after the war. It depicts a picture of hell within the era of war. But on the other hand, it symbolizes new beginning for the Filipinos right after the war to give a lit on the cold hearts of the people.
1911 - 1978
Hernando R. Ocampo was a self-taught Filipino modernist artist
H.R. Ocampo’s acknowledged masterpiece Genesis served as the basis of the curtain design of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater.
His other major works include Ina ng Balon, Calvary, Slum Dwellers, Nude with Candle and Flower, Man and Carabao, Angel’s Kiss, Palayok at Kalan, Ancestors,Isda at Mangga, The Resurrection, Fifty-three “Q”, Backdrop, Fiesta.
Hernando R. Ocampo, a pioneering Filipino modernist, was named National Artist for Visual Arts in 1991. A founding member of the Thirteen Moderns and Neo-Realists, he helped shape Philippine modern art. He also received the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award for his contributions to art and literature.
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story:
I have two old friends, they’re siblings, and both are painters. The oldest is Lola, who specializes in realism art, and the youngest is Lolo, who focuses on abstract art. Lola always criticizes Lolo’s work, thinking it’s just a waste of colors that results in a nonsensical piece (Lola can be harsh and dismissive). In Lolo’s defense, he’s trying to express his emotions and feelings through the splashes and combinations of color, which abstract art allows him to do. When I was younger, I always thought Lola was right, especially since she was the one taking care of me. But one time, when I was at Lolo’s house, I found myself staring at one of his abstract paintings, and something about it caught my attention. I couldn’t stop looking at it, and then I realized, “There’s more to this than meets the eye.” The painting was of their mother one side was a realistic portrayal, and the other was abstract. Her breasts were exposed in the abstract part, and at first, I didn’t understand why.
Lola, of course, thought it was an explicit way of honoring their mother, and she didn't hesitate to criticize Lolo for it. But when I looked at it more closely, I began to see what Lolo was trying to say. In his defense, the painting wasn’t about being explicit it was about showing love and respect. Their mother had been the one to nourish them when they were poor and couldn’t afford formula. She would breastfeed them to keep them alive, and the exposed breasts were Lolo’s way of honoring her selflessness and the deep care she gave them. It was a tribute to her motherhood and how she took care of them in the most basic, yet profound, way. A childhood story about two painter siblings one focused on realism, the other on abstraction. Made me reflect on how abstract art isn’t about what we immediately see but about how we interpret it. This inspired me to find a way to help others experience abstraction differently.
III. B: Ideation (Brainstorming)
At first, I thought of making a diorama, but I wanted it to show movement, so I decided not to continue with that idea. Next, I considered creating a phenakistoscope to demonstrate movement, but I realized it wouldn’t effectively emphasize the abstract work of Hernando Ocampo. After reflecting for a while, I decided on a kaleidoscope. Its shifting patterns and dynamic visuals perfectly align with Ocampo’s work, and the interactive element of the kaleidoscope can better emphasize abstract rhythms and movement.
• The story revolves around two siblings, Lola and Lolo, who represent opposing art styles realism and abstraction. Their dynamic highlights the broader debate about the value of abstract art.
• Lolo’s abstract painting of their mother uses colors and forms to express love and gratitude, showcasing how abstract art can convey deep, personal emotions.
• Lola’s dismissal of abstract art as messy and meaningless reflects a common misunderstanding of its emotional depth, an idea central to the zine’s message.
• The kaleidoscope is a fitting metaphor for abstract art. Like a kaleidoscope, abstract pieces reveal new layers of meaning depending on the viewer’s perspective, creating a sensory and emotional experience.
• The zine, inspired by Hernando R. Ocampo, will merge his rhythmic, vibrant abstract style with the personal narrative of Lolo’s painting. It will include a functional kaleidoscope that mimics the shifting and layered visuals of abstract art.
• The tagline, “There’s more than meets the eye,” will emphasize how abstract art holds deeper meaning beyond the surface.
• Ocampo’s abstract works, like Lolo’s, go beyond aesthetics to communicate powerful emotions and cultural narratives. Both artists use their medium to connect with loved ones and honor significant themes.
III. B: Ideation (Inspiration)
Kaleidoscope pattern design
(seen through the tunnel which you look.)
Abstraction 75
Genesis
Sonata in Green Karnabal
IV. A: Development (Drafts)
Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope and pattern design
IV. A: Development (Final) Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope and Kaleidoscopic images
Watch through a Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope experience
IV. A: Development Kaleidoscope parts
End cap
Transparent glass disc
Eyepiece
3 mirrors
IV. A: Development Final Kaleidoscope
IV. B: Development (Drafts)
Zine Cover (photo manipulated)
(Restored Old Photo) (Restored Old Photo) Edited to geometrical forms
forms (Genesis+ Old Photo)
Explored kalaidoscope pattern Monochomic Style
IV. B: Development (Drafts)
Zine Cover
Pallete is too dull for Ocampo's vibrant style I did not continue doing this one. There will be to much going on if I also paint his face.
I'm satisfied with the background, but the typeface layout looks off. I adjusted it to show more angle of his face. But the typeface needs Improvement. I was advised that the layout was too crowded so I decided to keep it simple and just expand the background and remove the geometric figure of H.R. Ocampo.
IV. C: Development (Final) Final Layout
I retained the typeface layout from my previous design but simplified the overall zine cover to better highlight his poetic and artistic style. Despite the changes, I stayed true to my original concept incorporating a kaleidoscope effect with a monochromatic red theme inspired by his famous work "Genesis".
Scan here to view H.R. Ocampo's Artwork "Genesis" in a kaleidoscopic experience.
V. References
Artgasmic Paradox. (2017, January 28). Hernando R. Ocampo. Artgasmic Paradox. https://artgasmicparadox.wordpress.com/2017/01/28/hernando-r-ocampo/
Galleria Duemila. (n.d.). Hernando R. Ocampo. Galleria Duemila. https://galleriaduemila.com/ViewArtist?u=%2717%27&c=%27master%27
Kahimyang Project. (n.d.). April 28, 1911: Hernando R. Ocampo, National Artist for Visual Art, was born in Santa Cruz, Manila. Kahimyang. https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/2893/april-28-1911-hernando-r-ocampo-national-art ist-for-visual-art-was-born-in-santa-cruz-manila
Invaluable. (n.d.). Hernando R. Ocampo (1911–1978) – Nude. Invaluable. https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/hernando-r-ocampo-1911-1978-nude-1264-c-04c4696a8 3?srsltid=AfmBOoqnRAclfcpSar6BneWw2IUpi_7Fx_onJKx_o4F1_xlRLCxtPJ6I
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). (n.d.). Hernando R. Ocampo. NCCA. https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/national-artists-of-the-philippines/her nando-r-ocampo/
National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). Hernando R. Ocampo. Retrieved [Date], from https://nhcp.gov.ph/790-2/.