Art and Coffee
BY MUFFET VILLEGAS

I like painting with a cup of coffee to perk me up. But Coffee and art actually do mix literally.
A noted artist from Dumaguete city, Jutsze Pamate opened a one man show entitled "Colors and Coffee Stains" last February 14-28 at the Foyer Gallery, Luce Auditorium, Silliman University.
His latest pieces play around the art concept of the Painter as Historian.
Pamate said," By using local landmarks of historical significance into painting, I try to capture the visual history of Dumaguete by incorporating them to my art making. In this exhibit, history can be elevated to the levels of fine arts when historical subjects are created to become art forms."
Dr. Earl Jude Cleope, of Silliman University, in his inspiring speech during the opening of the exhibit, said that, “These artworks, are not the usual personal expressions and views of the artist , but are actual documentations which have been properly researched and could be used as tools for learning local history.”
Cleope further reiterated that the historical nature of the exhibit is so timely with the current thrust of promoting tourism through history and culture. He believes that every town has a story to tell, and a culture to share.

The old Dumaguete Port which used to be a lonely strip of land stretching out to welcome visitors, is now a bustling pier of passenger and cargo ships. At night, the dancing reflections of shimmering lights coming from the sea vessels are part of the main attraction at the Rizal Boulevard.

Pamate’s works evoke nostalgic memories to the viewer. Looking at these works, I feel like being transported to another place and time.

In his painting of the old Dumaguete scene from the shorelines that he had meticulously researched from the church records, one can see the old Silliman Hall at the background. The foreground is still the vast expanse of sand, with "tartanilla" and some nipa huts in the background, which is now occupied by concrete buildings, restaurants catering to international guests as well as the local residents.

Jutsze Pamate has made 55 exhibitions and five individual shows. He finished his Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science in Silliman University in 1995 and completed his Masters Degree in the graduate studies Department of Silliman University in the year 2000.
In his book, Pamate covered a thesis on local art history. His passion on art and history materialized as he made a study of the life and paintings of Jose Laspinas from 1913-1986.



Inspite of his busy schedule, Pamate is currently teaching at both Fine Arts and History Department of Foundation University.

Pamate has been active in the art scene since early nineties. His art evolved from figurative paintings focusing on social issues, to a peaceful, magical sceneries of the past.
He became the regional coordinator for the fourth Visayan Islands Visual Arts -Exhibition/Conference (VIVA EXCON) held in Iloilo city in 1997 and has been consistent exhibitor for the VIVA exhibition module. Pamate also participates in various art workshops as an instructor; helping adults and children alike develop their interests in their respective medium and their appreciation for the arts.

He became the acting curator for the Spanish Heritage Art Center ca. 2002-03 and the Museum Vicente , Foundation University ca. 2007. Aside from his consultative work he also helped organize group shows in the city both with local art scenes and other NCCA sponsored activities in the past years.
Among his other accomplishments and recognitions were ; he was the recipient of Sovereign Art Awards in Hongkong in 2006, Certificate of Recognition as Most Outstanding Resident Brother for great leadership and academic excellence, APO International 2002; A certificate of Appreciation for the Public Mural Art Project. A joint project with the city government of Dumaguete City through Mayor Agustin Perdices in 1998. Certificate of Service, Rotary Club of Dumaguete North in 1996 and a Certificate of Appreciation Dumaguete Child and Family Program in 1996.



He is versatile in using different medium from acrylics, watercolor to oils, and his latest which he is concentrating with great passion is using the ancient coffee beans stains as his medium to bring back the past in his captivating landscapes.
The coffee stains become the time machine which does not only promote the ancient feeling of the theme, but it becomes the color that spells magical memories to the young and the old.

Pamate has found the perfect medium for his subjects. This quiet, softspoken, humble and hardworking artist is an example to his students who are discovering the world of art and the artist himself.