Thomas Daquioag

Thomas Daquioag

was born on June 30, 1971. His winning the 2nd Place in the Shell National Arts Competition for two consecutive years (1991-1992) was only a prelude a series of accolades—a 2nd Prize Award in the National Philatelic Stamp Design Competition (1992) with the painting printed for nationwide circulation; and First Prize Awards in the National Tourism Week and Biosynergy Painting Competitions. Subsequently, he was awarded Honorable Mention in the Rotary Club Art Competition and adjudged as Finalist in the PLDT-DPC Telephone Directory Cover Art Competition for two consecutive years (1993-1994).
The succeeding years proved to be meritorious with this artist being the Diwa ng Sining and Art Association of the Philippines Jurors’ Choice in 1993 and ultimately, the latter’s Grand Prize Winner in the year 2000. During this period, he had been a consistent finalist in the Metrobank Young Painters’ Annual Competition (since 1990) where he bagged First Honorable Mention in 1998. By the coming of the new millennium, he was selected Jurors’ Choice in the Phillip Morris Philippine Art Awards. In 2002, he was recipient of the Dharmasiswa Arts and Culture Studies Grant in Bali, Indonesia and most recently, he has been granted the Asian Artist Freeman Fellowship by the Vermont Studio Center, USA.

Daquioag cites the Social Realists as one of the early influences in his art. He says they have not only helped shape his style but also develop his awareness of society. He is also influenced by artists like Renato Habulan and Antonio Austria, although more in essence than in style. On a trip to Samar, Daquioag became interested in the use of local products such as the anting-anting and banig He used them in his works as part of the effort to encourage the use of indigenous materials for local contemporary art.