Al-nezzar Buday Ali is a multi-media artist who lives and works in General Santos City. Born in Buayan, the oldest site in Gensan, he is fondly called by his family members as 'To' (favorite), 'Al' (short for Al-nezzar) among his acquaintances and 'Ali' (last name) among his artists friends. His original name is Ali Muhammad Khalif Nebuchadnezzar, which gave him a hard time in writing.
Ali's artistic creativity started at a young age and his family's constant travels drove him to be serious with his craft. Discouraged by his parents who were more concerned on his academics, Ali pursued his art silently and discreetly. However, his grandmothers, who were kulintang virtuosos and skilled decorative artists would have inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a legitimate artist nonetheless. Romeo Narvaez, artistic director of K.E. became his mentor-friend and discovered most of Ali's artistic talents both in performing and visual arts. Narvaez led him to once again appreciate his cultural 'roots' and used it for future artistic endeavors.
MEMORABLE/NOTABLE WORKS
Producing small art works for friends and acquaintances; a member of MSU-Gensan's performing arm, the Kabpapagariya Ensemble; a veteran of countless K.E.'s performances and notable for his role of the villain 'Busaon' in the play Pilandok.
PERFORMING ARTS
-Researcher and choreographer of the B'laan repertoire of MSU Kabpapagariya Ensemble in the group's Socsargen Tour, Adto sa Bukid in 1993. (K.E 1993 CCP TOUR GRANT.; Romeo Narvaez-artistic director; Alma C. Aguja-manager)
-Received a CCP Grant in Modern Dance and Choreography in 1994 and came back to Mindanao to choreograph the Holy Trinity College production of Woman and God. (HTC Theater Arts Guild 1st major production 1994; Dany Rojas-artistic director; Ms. Iyog-adviser)
-absorbed in the College Dept of HolyTrinity in 1995; became the trainer and artistic director of the Holy Trinity College Theater Arts Guild from 1995-2000. The theatre guild which became the city's forerunner of modern dance and creative movements.
-Staged Kotabato sa Panahon ng mga Hapon in a collective cultural presentation for the 1996 Palarong Pambansa held in the City. The production had more performances and definitely established the artist as a young and developing choreographer in the area. (PALARONG PAMBANSA CULTURAL NIGHT 96'; Romeo Narvaez-over-all director; DECS-Gensan-sponsor)
-In the same year, he was part of the 'triumvirate-directors' of General Santos City with Romeo Narvaez, artistic director of MSU Kabpapagariya Ensemble and Juvie Sumbero, artistic director of the Sining Ks'satu in the creation of memorable performances and winning pieces up to the present
-By 1997, his HTC Theater Arts Guild's Sarangola ng Kapayapaan represented the City in the Regional Paligsahan sa Sining 97' in the Modern Contemporary Dance category in Davao City and won the championship.(Al-Director, writer & choreographer; Marivi Lim-adviser/manager)
-1998, he was tasked to mount the opening production of the City's Celebration of the Centennial, titled Ang Hibik ng Himagsikan. (HTC-TAG; Al-director & choreographer; Marivi Lim-adviser/manager)
-Choreographer of NDDC Likas Teatro's front act for the Gatusan production presented in the city and became the group's guest director and trainer for 5 years.
-Directed and choreographed Notre Dame of Dadiangas College Likas Teatro's first major production, Dulil in December 1997. (NDDC Likas Teatro; Al-scriptwriter; Donie Buscano-researcher/writer,music director; Jerwin Figueroa-production manager; Aloha Lugares-adviser)
-Established HTC's College Arts Drama Desk and the Sining Kadayukan with the mounting of the full length play Ang Paglalakbay. (HTC Sining Kadayukan Feb.1998; Al-artistic direction, choreography and compositions; Allan Remedios-production/costume design; Donie Buscano-choreography; Renante Garcia-music direction/musical arranger; Philip Chan-production assistant; College Faculty Club-sponsor/producer)
-Choreographed the Ayala Corporation-sponsored vignette Celebration of Moro Heroes. (HTCSining Kadayukan & NDDCLikas Teatro-combined performers; Ayala Corp. Centennial Hero Awards March, 1998; Ayala Corp. Region 11-sponsor)
-The year 2000 opened with his mounting of the political satire Radia Mangandiri by the NDDC Likas Teatro as the group's annual production for the Notre Dame community. (Al-artistic direction and choreography; Donie Buscano-costume design/production management; Ryan Dequillo-stage/lights director; Renante Garcia-musical direction)
-Staged and choreographed A Call for Peace, for a city-wide rally for peace, his last for HTC Theater Arts Guild and Sining Kadayukan. Here he composed most of the songs with Reynante Garcia, arranger/vocalist.
-The rest of 2001 till 2002, a tour workshop for theater, dance and music with Romeo Narvaez and Randy Taojo and became guest performer of Kabpapagariya Ensemble with minor performances and became prominent with his rendition of a Muslim song-prayer in the 'Tri-People Invocation' that received various invitations in the City and outside.
-By December 2002, together with Romy Narvaez (critic), Randy Taojo for music, and Allan Remedios for props, he choreographed Tud Bulol, Sarangani's entry to the Regional Dance Drama Competition and to the National Dance Drama Competition in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila. (JBT Caing Kiamba Elem. Performers; DePED Sarangani-sponsor)
-choreographed RMMC's production of Maya Binukutan, directed by Bing Carino in February Arts Month Celebration of 2003. (RMMC Teatro Ambajanon Feb.2003; Bing Carino-artistic direction; libretto/musical direction-Mr. Gamad; Mr. Gomer-production manager;Al-choreographer; RMMC-producer; NCCA-sponsor)
VISUAL ARTS
-2000, Jan. Group Exhibit: Grand Opening of C-NAG Kulay Arts Gallery, General General Santos City
-2000, Feb.22-28 Group Exhibit "Talus Kano" Kalilangan Fest, Socskargen Arts Council, Gaisano Mall, General Santos City
-2001, Group Exhibit, Socskargen Arts Council, Koronadal City
-2002, Feb.7-21 Group Exhibit: Kalilangan Foundation "Layag Socsargen Arts Exhibit," Tierra Verde Hotel, General Santos City
-2002, Feb. 21-28 Group Exhibit: "Kalilangan Arts Exhibit," City Hall Loby, General Santos City
-2002, June 17-19 Solo Exhibit and Lecture on "Okir Design: Nature, Elements and Legacy" NCCA-Arkitektura Exhibit, Notre Dame University, Cotabato City
-2002, Sept 7-11 Group Exhibit "Intramurals 02: Showcase of Alumni Artists" MSU Museum Staff, Mindanao State University, General Santos City
-2002, Sept. Group Exhibit with NDDC Batik Student Artists, "Intramurals 02,", Notre Dame of Dadiangas College, General Santos City
-2002, Dec. 12-15 Solo Exhibit "Kabpapagariya Ensemble 1st Alumni Reunion," Kabpapagariya Ensemble Alumni Association, Mindanao State University, General Santos City
-2003, Feb.20-24 Solo Exhibit "Palamadani: A Celebration of Roots in Colors," Kalimudan Artist Collective/Kalilangan Foundation, Notre Dame of Dadiangas College, General Santos City
-2003, Sept 3-5: NCCA Speaker and Lecturer on "Okir: Origin, Elements and Legacy" in Enigmata's Workshop on Okkil Art in Camiguin, sponsored by NCCA/Mambajao LGU
-2003, Nov 3-7 Solo Exhibit "Palamadani: A Celebration of Roots in Colors," Holy Trinity College, General Santos City
-2003, Nov 8-11: "Despedida Exhibit for Sungdu-an 3," an exhibit of the first and early works, Artists's Residence, Buayan, General Santos City
-2003, Nov 16: Sungdu-an 3 Mindanao Opening, Cagayan de Oro City
-2004, Feb: Opening of Sungdu-an 3 National Convergence at CCP, Manila
LIST OF VISUAL ARTWORKS
-"TAULAGAD MATUTUM" 1998 mixed-media on canvas 1/2X 3'. Artist's Collection
-"BANTUGAN AND WALAIN MAGINAR:A ROMANTIC NIGHT" 1999 acrylic/latex on illus-board/plywood 1 ½'X 2' Artist's Collection
-"PASSION AFTER EXPULSION" 1999 acrylic/latex on illus-board/plywood 2'X 3' Artist's Collection
-"S'DAKWE" 1999 enamel-acrylic on illus-board/plywood 2'X 3' Artist's Collection
-"GINTON-GOD of METAL AND FIRE" 1999 pen-and-ink/textile ink on paper 2 ½'X 3 ½' Artist's Collection
-"THREE NYMPHS OF LAKE BULALAWANG" 1998 pen-and-ink on paper 1 ½'X 2 ½' Artist's Collection
-"3 DIWATAS" 2000 pen-and-ink/gouache on paper 2 ½'X 3 ½' Artist's Collection
-"BONG LIBUN-GODDESS OF DAWN" 1998 pen-and-ink/gouache on paper 1 ½'X 2 ½' Artist's Collection
-"KUTYAPI PLAYER" 2000 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-"SARIMANOK IN CUBES" 2000 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-"KULINTANG PLAYER" 2001 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-"BAGO A KINAWING" 2001 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-"BAI A POTRI" 2001 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-"PAMBALUKEN" 2002 mixed-media on illus-board/ plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-"KUNTAO BUYANG" 2002 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-"SIPA MANGUIS" 2002 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-"KAPAMALONG MALONG" 2002 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-KADTINIAGTAG" 2003 mixed-media/oil on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
-KADSALAM" 2003 mixed-media on illus-board/plywood 3'X 4' Artist's Collection
FAVORITE ARTISTS
Visual Artists
Pablo Picasso-cubism, Van Gogh-color scheme, Leonardo da Vinci-perspective, Michaelangelo-figures, Rembrant-tone, Japanese classical and contemporary artists-minimalism, M.F. Husein-subjects, Zhu Wei-figures and subjects, Malang-figures, Abdulmari Imao-subjects and style, Ib'n Saudi Salipyasin Ahmad-pen-and-ink
Performing Arts
Cloud Gate Dance Theater-Taiwan-modern dance, Ballet Philippines-ballet and modern dance, Agnes Locsin-choreographer, Denisa Reyes-choreographer, MSU Sining Kambayoka-theater
Literature
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Alexander Pushkin, Tolstoy, Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Salman Rushdie, Jalaludin Rumi, James Clavel, Sun Tzu, J.J. Tolkien, Jose Garcia Villa, F. Sionil Jose
Books
'The Hundred Years of Solitude', 'Shogun', 'Art of War', 'Lord of the Rings', 'The Blade of Grass', Rumi's Poems, 'The Moor's Last Sigh', 'Geisha'
Music
Nusrat Fateh Alikhan-qawwali music, Kitaro-drums, Jai Uttal-sitar, Vangelis, Enya-new age music, Andrea Bocelli-tenor, Josh Groban, Tony Lewis-aboriginal, Mozart, Bethoven, Tina Turner
Film
Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, David Lean, Moustapha Akkad, Akira Kurosawa, Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Jane Campion, Ridley Scott, George Lucas, Lino Brocka, Carlos Siguon-Reyna
Films
The Piano, Hero, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Braveheart, Gladiator, Empire of the Sun, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, Amistad, The Killing Fields, Shakespeare In Love, Red Sorghum, Raise the Red lantern, The Last Concubine, The House of Spirits, Star Wars movies
Actors
Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Holly Hunter, Chow Yun Fat, Zhang Ziyi, Jet Li
AVERAGE DAILY ROUTINE
He starts the day with a cup of coffee with cream and bread, butter and egg. Spends half an hour in the bathroom where most of his great ideas are conceived. Spends the whole day in his teaching stint at Holy Trinity College, teaching literature and humanities subjects. His break time will be spent on reading in the library or a novel in the faculty room. Al consumes an average two novels a month when not so busy. Goes straight home after work and watches television. After dinner, he paints, believing that a visual artist must have at least three major works a year. He creates 10 works if planning for a major exhibit. Spends at least two hours on the computer for some write-ups and other unfinished writings. Watches rented videos, averaging three films a week. Sleeps late after a midnight snack.
PERSONAL DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS
-to be successful in his visual arts career and be recognized nationally and internationally
-to have an international traveling exhibition and interact with international artists
-to be successful in his visual arts career and be recognized nationally and internationally -to have an international traveling exhibition and interact with international artists
-have his own gallery and a big studio for painting
-works in a Cultural Center for the promotion of Mindanao Arts and travel abroad for this promotions
-teach his art in his own art school. His art will become an inspiration for the preservation of the rich Moro cultural heritage and the realization of peace in Mindanao
-published a catalog or a coffee table book of Filipino-Muslim artists(traditional and contemporary)
THE PERSONS YOU'D LIKE TO WORK WITH SOMEDAY
-collaborate with Agnes Locsin for choreography, Joey Ayala and a traditional kulintangan orchestra for music in an epical production of 'Quisa Dalangan'.
-a one month collaborative work with Mindanao visual artists.
-have a back-to-back exhibit with friend Cris Rollo, Abe Garcia, idol Saudi Ahmad, and Abdulmari Imao.
IF YOU WERE SOMEBODY ELSE, WHO WOULD YOU BE?
a bar singer with a fat wallet that will last a lifetime, and with a romantic relationship that will last till old age.
MISSION
-to develop and promote a contemporary Moro art form that uses a modern medium inspired by traditional motifs and designs where Moro ideals and virtues are reflective on its themes and subjects;
-to use painting and the performing arts as venues for the preservation and promotion of the rich Moro cultural legacy and vivid artistic motifs;
-to use painting and the performing arts as ways to present a stand against brutality, darkness, extremism and fanaticism.
THEMES/INSPIRATION in ARTWORKS
-traditional Moro art forms and motifs
-Okir designs and principles
-local literature (mythology, legends, epics)
-traditions and customs
-social and political issues
-history and tarsilas
PROCESS AND DEVELOPMENT in MAKING ARTWORKS
Starts with research, readings, and exposure. From these sketches are made until the final draft. Prepares all necessary materials and renders the final sketch on the canvas. Prefers to paint on the floor than using the easel.
INFLUENCES AND DEVELOPMENT
His early influence was his grade school and high school friend, Marjun Cristobal -a gifted artist friend -who introduced him to the world of visual arts and taught him basic anatomy and sketching with Renaissance artists as inspiration. Marjun also encouraged him to join various poster-making contests in school and outside.
While in college, he met and befriended Romeo Narvaez, artistic director of MSU Kabpapagariya Ensemble and introduced him to the world of theater and performances. Romy encouraged him to use his cultural background as inspiration for his future artistic expressions. Al joined the K.E. and became a protégé of Romy who helped develop his natural ability in choreography and directing.
By 1993, Agnes Locsin and her works inspired Al's early modern dance repertoires and the Dagyaw production of Hinilawod (choreographed by Locsin) made a lasting impact in his later major productions. Asian theater also gave him a great deal of influences in his development as a choreographer and director. As of present, he uses myths, legends and folklores in most of his productions.
Al's love of reading introduced him to Western Arts, Oriental Arts, Primitive Art Forms, Islamic Arts and Philippine art forms. Picasso and Van Gogh influenced his minimalist experiments in his early paintings and his extensive study on Japanese and Chinese Art produced his first 'landscapes.'
In 1993, he came upon the works of Ib'n Saudi Salipyasin Ahmad, together with other Muslim artists in a "RAMADAN FEST" Visual Arts Exhibit held in Shangrila Edsa Plaza and this experience was crucial in his definition of visual style and subjects. Here he developed his early pen-and-ink works in 8'x11" with Moro themes.
An enthusiastic study and readings on Indian classical art and Southeast Asian Temple art brought him to define his early figurative works. The study on Hindu mythology would prompt him to research on Moro legends, myths, the Darangen, epic characters and including B'laan and T'Boli pantheon of gods. He produced dozens of pen-and-ink works from these influences.
Rediscovering Islamic art, Al began to deepen his studies on Moro traditional designs and motifs -the okir and other motifs on decorations, panels, torogan, utensils, object materials and instruments. The malong was very influential in his design studies.
An encounter with the works of the prominent Abdulmari Imao impressed in him the possibility of fusing together the traditional and the contemporary.
By 1997, after attending a visual art workshop for teachers in Philippine Womens University, Manila, he produced a series of pen-and-ink on paper using B'laan mythological characters.
Exposure to contemporary Filipino works after a tour in various museums and galleries in Manila: the works of Ang Kiukok, Malang, Botong Francisco, Anita Magsaysay Ho and Mario Parial were definitive in his early experiments on mixed media. Meeting Imao, Napoleon Abueva and Orlando Orlina personally inspired his first works on okir and fusion with minimalism. Subjects were mostly from myths, legends and epics.
Contemporary Chinese artist, Zhu Wei and Indian Visual artist, M.F. Husein, influenced Al's development of style, technique and principles in art. By 1998, he began to explore cubism and minimalism using okir motif as base form.
Bing Carino, a local artist and his school friend suggested improvements in his artworks and invited him to join a local art group. In 1999, Al produced his first big works (3'x4") in mixed-media (Kutyapi Player and Sarimanok in Cubes) using traditional motifs fused with contemporary style dubbed as 'Modern Moro Art Form.'
By 2000, Al had produced at least dozen works in mixed-media, pen-and-ink and oil, and had begun to collaborate with other artists, joined contests and group exhibits. Emily Jontilano helped change Al's skeptical view regarding interaction and sharing of techniques and know-how.
In 2002, Al was already recognized by peers in Socsargen area and in the last quarter of the year he was designated as Head Cluster Representative for Socsargen area to the NCCA Committee on Visual Arts. A NCCA-CVA Consultative Assembly in Kabasalan, Zamboanga del Norte brought together prominent artists in Mindanao' Saudi, Cris Rollo (CVA Head), Lluch and Abe Garcia (Mindanao Sungdu-an 3 Curator). Here, personal linkages were made influencing his disposition and principles and the enthusiasm of the visual arts community improved his new works.
CURRENT PROJECTS
-listed in the NCCA Speaker's Bureau: Resource Speaker and Lecturer on Okir Motif and Design
-Nov.2002: NCCA Arkitektura National Traveling Exhibition, Notre Dame
University, Cotabato City
-Sept. 3-5: NCCA funded Enigmata's Okkil Workshop, Camiguin
-February 21, 2003, chosen as one of the six to represent Mindanao to the NCCA "Sungdu-an 3" National Travelling Exhibition Project
-Started mounting paintings entitled Ijtihad-The Spirit of Questioning, Self-Criticism, and Renewal with a breakdown of 4 panels entitled The Questioin of War, The Question of Traditions, The Question of Interpretation, and The Question of Extremism for Sungdu-an 3 which opened in February at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and will have a Mindanao Opening on November 16 in Cagayan de Oro City
MESSAGE TO THE WORLD
First, my Art is addressed to members of my community, many of who disregard their rich cultural heritage, that they may, once again, appreciate and be proud of their cultural roots.
It is also addressed to people of various cultural backgrounds who appreciate ethnic or native art. My Art is my base in my hard and often risky struggle to promote tolerance and moderation as against extremism and fanaticism.
Lastly, my Art is addressed to all Filipinos-It is beautiful to live in a community with all its diversities for this is where we can tap our strengths as a people. This is a challenge to our humanity. There is beauty in diversity, and only through our appreciation of each other can we achieve peace and unity.
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Source: Mindanao News Arts & Culture
