Tile Art and Architecture

1/23/2007

The art of ceramic tile painting has its origins in the hand-made clay bricks decorated with pigment first seen in ancient structures of the near east. We still see traces of this art form in the Egyptian pyramids, the ruins of Greece, and the archeological finds of Babylon. The skill seems to have been perfected in Persia, where the intricacy and vividness of design first peaked. The very term for tile comes from the Latin word, tegula, which means baked roof tile, and similarly to the French word, tuile. Early examples of this art can also be seen in China, originally used as gifts and offerings to royalty and their deified ancestors. In the Mediterranean, ceramic tiles have been widely used by the Moors to adorn their places of worship, and eventually, their homes. In structures in Spain and Italy, it is found as an integral architectural piece, even to this day.

In the Philippines, the name Bart Aguas is now synonymous to Tile Art. He is an architect by profession, just like his father, and an artist at heart. He insists that he does not have the temperament of an artist, only his passion.  He was my schoolmate since grade school at the Ateneo de Manila University and through college at the University of Sto.Tomas. Bart resides in Angono, lending even more credence to the claim that artists do tend to congregate in that area. He has been married to Rita Marasigan for the past 10 years.

Like most successful ventures, Bart’s passion started out of a need. He was looking for accent tiles for a house he was designing but was not satisfied with those available in the market locally. His client resorted to buying and hand-carrying the tiles from Europe. Although the quality was acceptable, the designs still did not satisfy him fully. This prompted him to study how to paint the tiles himself, create his own designs, and experiment on the procedure.

He discovered that ceramic tile painting is a tedious process. One would need a certain amount of patience, dedication, and passion to create products like this. It is not enough to know the technology behind it. You must have the artistic talent to be able to maximize the potential of this art form. While painting on the tile surface, you do not see the final outcome. What you initially get are dull colors. It is only after baking that the real colors come out. It is not enough that you know the process of tile painting. Oxides and chemicals, which produce the colors, must be mixed precisely and carefully to achieve the effect you desire. Therefore, one would likewise need considerable experience, combined with vision to produce the perfect art piece.

These are one of a kind pieces that would certainly add value to your home. It is an architectural ornament as well as an artistic piece. 

With regards to theme, Bart says that these are unlimited but he prefers Filipiniana and
religious icons. However, his clients can give the theme and he can develop it based on what they want.

I've used it as wall accents, religious icons, stair risers, even house numbers. They have been used on furniture, tables, murals, house posts, accent pieces, and altars; practically anywhere you can use a tile. Like any form of art it appreciates in value. It has a lifetime quality and can possibly become an heirloom
 
Bart holds exhibits regularly. Upcoming exhibit is in mid-September at the Art-informat along Connecticut St. in Greenhills. You can get in touch with him through text on 09163592371.