A relevant art book for the new generation
COFFEE table books are usually not read cover to cover, but used as accent pieces and entertainment for guests waiting for their host. These books do not typically have a storyline. However, the captivating photos and unique topics can arouse the interest of onlookers and serve as great conversation starters.
The Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) Coffee Table Book was conceived by this author, as approved by AAP president Fidel Sarmiento.
The AAP provides free training to young students, organizes art exhibitions locally and internationally, promotes art competitions, and hosts art forums to help members continue their art education and enhance their capabilities through art workshops.
It now has more than three thousand members and is continuously growing, doing different mediums and working to meet the artistic community’s greater developmental and progressive demands.
So why did the association published a coffee table book?
First, we need to know the history of AAP. One summer in 1948, a group of artists led by the late Purita Kalaw-Ledesma founded AAP.
After World War 2, Kalaw-Ledesma, a businesswoman, art collector, and visionary, met with the University of the Philippines (UP) Fine Arts graduates and discussed the necessity of forming an art association. She ran across an old art professor and suggested forming an alumni organization. She gathered 13 art enthusiasts and decided to meet on February 15, 1948, at the School of Fine Arts, which was still on Taft Avenue, where the Supreme Court is now located. Those who joined the initial meeting include Emilio Aguilar Cruz and Virginia Flor Agbayani.
A second meeting was held to appoint working officials; Ramon Peralta Jr., the son of a former professor; Severino Favie, a skilled sculptor; and Nemesio Faustino, teaching art education at the School of Arts and Trade, were amongst the attendees. Candido Alcantara was assigned as the recording secretary. The news about the newly formed association spread, and soon, more students attended the group meetings.
Some of those who attended were not even graduates of UP; they came to listen, discuss and provide suggestions. Since many attendees were outside UP, the group could no longer call it an alumni association.
It soon became the Art Association of the Philippines and became a nationwide artists association. The AAP has had several prominent artists as presidents.
The AAP amended its by-laws, establishing itself as a circulator of artistic goods within a general production, circulation and consumption system founded by Kalaw-Ledesma.
However, at the present set-up, the AAP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “promote and advance the interests of individuals who work in the visual arts.”
The association purchased a lot for its permanent Office and Gallery (The AAP Tahanan) located at Metro Tagaytay, Silang, Cavite, under the leadership of Fidel Sarmiento.
The AAP coffee table book can be an inspirational read for young readers who are drawn to the book’s visual and design aspects. As they start to understand the book’s organization and read the text, they uncover new layers of meaning, which deepen their appreciation for the book. It is a fun and rewarding experience to watch.
Additionally, this AAP Coffee Table book is a testament to the fact that the association is performing the vision of its founder, the late Purita Kalaw-Ledesma. It documents members supporting the AAP’s advocacy and missions. Many prominent artists did not participate for personal reasons but became well-known by winning art competitions promoted by AAP.
These books are being distributed at schools, universities, and colleges, offering fine arts, architecture, graphic design, arts, and humanities for free nationwide. The next generation can scan and use it, making it lifetime research material and relevant art book for students and faculties alike.
Additionally, museums and interested galleries could avail of a copy for free.
Indeed, this gesture is challenging to emulate; hence, the AAP did it.