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Associate Professor Teody Boylie “Bong” Perez of the Department of Humanities has taken a bold new step in his artistic journey by venturing into the realm of sculpture. This shift was marked by a series of works unveiled through his Bong Perez Art Gallery, showcasing his first foray into three-dimensional art.
Known for his mastery in oil painting and colored pencil, Prof. Perez has long established himself as a versatile and award-winning visual artist. His oil paintings have earned him international recognition, including prizes in China and a place in the prestigious Beijing Biennale. His colored pencil illustrations, meanwhile, led to commissions for storybooks in Japan and a First Prize award from Colored Pencil Magazine in the USA.
These accomplishments have not only solidified his reputation but have also brought pride to Davao City, earning him the esteemed Datu Bago Award. He also received the Grand Prize from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ Quincentennial commemorations for his painting of the first encounter between Filipinos and Spaniards. His prolific body of work earned him the title of UP Artist under the UP Artistic Productivity System.
Prof. Perez’s transition into sculpture signals a return to his academic roots. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Plastic Expression from Japan, where the term “plastic” refers to three-dimensional visual arts such as sculpture. With this new chapter, he reconnects with the medium of his highest academic training, further expanding his creative expression and reaffirming his place as one of Davao City’s dynamic contemporary artists.
