Fara Manuel-Nolasco is a distinguished multimedia designer and intermedia artist whose work spans graphic arts, photography, and installation. Born and raised in Quezon City, Fara completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication from the College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman in 2003. Her academic journey continued with a Graduate degree in Art Theory from the same institution in 2018, supported by a Local Faculty Fellowship Grant from the University of the Philippines. Fara is currently a PhD in Fine Arts Doctoral Scholar at the College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, New Zealand.

In 2008, Fara moved to Baguio, where she began her teaching career at the University of the Philippines Baguio (UP Baguio). From 2020 to 2022, she served as the Chair of the Committee on Culture and the Arts at UP Baguio, playing a key role in promoting cultural initiatives and artistic discourse within the university.

Fara’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of various media, with a strong focus on printmaking. As an affiliate of the Association of Pinoy Printmakers (A/P), she has been an active participant in their annual exhibitions at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and has showcased her work in various private galleries. Her engagement with printmaking extends beyond local boundaries, as demonstrated by her participation in international residencies such as the Bamboo Curtain Studio in Taipei, Taiwan in 2014 and Art No Wall in Khon Kaen, Thailand in 2015. Her work was also selected for the prestigious Awagami International Mini Print Juried Exhibition (AIMPE) in Tokushima, Japan in 2015.

In 2023, Fara was honored as one of the 12 selected women printmakers from across the Philippines for "Bakas," an exhibition at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art. This recognition underscores her significant contributions to the field of printmaking and her role in representing Filipino women in the arts. Her works were also featured in “Ukit: A fine print exhibition focused on relief-print methods by 35 local artists with works from the 1950’s to the present” at the BenCab Museum in 2023.

Beyond her artistic practice, Fara has also made significant contributions as a curator. In 2021, she curated the Ibagiw Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Baguio Convention Center, an event that featured over 120 visual works by regional artists. Her curatorial work reflects her deep understanding of the social and cultural dynamics of Baguio, a city rich in indigenous identity and at the crossroads of urbanization and environmental challenges. Her projects often address critical themes such as decolonialism, material culture, and urban overdevelopment, fostering dialogue and reflection within the community.

Fara’s role as an educator is closely intertwined with her artistic practice. Her involvement with the Association of Pinoy Printmakers has deepened her appreciation of printmaking, exposing her to emerging techniques and ideas within the medium. She integrates these insights into her teaching, enriching the curriculum and offering students a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and conceptual aspects of art.

Fara Manuel-Nolasco’s contributions to the arts are characterized by a dedication to creative exploration, cultural stewardship, and education. Her work continues to resonate in the contemporary Philippine art scene, making her a vital figure in the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in Philippine art.

(Written by Maria Malonzo)

Email: fara.manuel@gmail.com

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