Download Image: Web
The works of independent animation filmmaker Nelson Caliguia will be featured in the Lycoming College Art Gallery in downtown Williamsport beginning Friday, Dec. 8, with a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. The exhibition, which will run through Feb. 17, is free and open to the public.
“As an animation artist, it is my dream to create an animation project that us Filipinos could proudly claim as our own,” said Caliguia. “As an animation filmmaker, whenever I start conceptualizing a new animation project, I see it as another chance to explore local themes and imagery. Why do I prioritize local subject matter? For starters, there are already countless animated films that explore Western and East-Asian stories and motifs. On the other hand, original animated works from Southeast-Asia are scarce and usually obscure. By portraying local culture in animation, I feel that I am contributing something unique and different to the art-form. Moreover, I believe that it is more natural for me to tackle Filipino themes since these are things that I grew-up on and am most familiar with.”
“… I believe that there is such a thing as uniquely Filipino animation... an animation that is undeniably ‘us.’ "
Nelson continues, “… I believe that there is such a thing as uniquely Filipino animation... an animation that is undeniably ‘us.’ F. Sionil Jose has said that ‘Great art always has a nationality.’ I agree with this statement. Whatever it is that our collective identity might constitute of in the future, it is my hope that Filipino animators would reflect local themes whenever creating their own works.”
Nelson has been honored with awards, citations, grants, and other recognition in the animation field. His work, “Inday Wanda,” was adapted into a live-action series by TV5 and Unitel. He earned a master of fine arts degree from Rochester Institute of Technology through the Fulbright program.
The Lycoming College Art Gallery, located in downtown Williamsport at 25 W. Fourth St., contributes to the city’s arts culture and allows the College to become more involved with the surrounding community. Lycoming art students have the opportunity to interact with visiting artists and learn first-hand the inner workings of an art gallery.
The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 4-8 p.m. For more information, please visit the gallery online at: https://www.lycoming.edu/art/gallery/22-23.aspx.