The Recipient of the 9th DDAA

Message from the DDAA 2021 Jury

The DDAA 2021 Jury chose Edison Rodriquez as recipient of the 9th Darnay Demetillo Artist Award. Among the nominees, Edison best exemplified the capacities for articulation, curiosity and experimentation; traits crucial to carving out an artistic and creative path. His portfolio of works stood out among other submissions because it was thoughtfully put together. The artworks themselves were accompanied by stanzas of poetry, and not only by brief narratives. The works were not only required submissions for his course but were opportunities to reflect on questions about the world and his place in it. This allowed us to glimpse the inner workings of the mind of a budding artist.

During the interview, the jurors noted how Edison referenced his surroundings and way of life for his artworks. He mentioned how he aspires for his ideas to be shared and transmitted to others by way of art. When asked about the most pertinent message that art is able to convey in our time, he astutely replied that it is probably the desperate state the country is in and how little has actually changed. It is a reality he experiences in his everyday life.

We hope the DDAA will help Edison further hone his skills, build his confidence, and allow him to engage the world thoughtfully and creatively. We see in him the promise of a successful and thoughtful artist.

Roberto Acosta, Tessa Maria Guazon and Kelly Ramos

DDAA 2021 Jurors