#ArtPH - Curiosity, Connection, and the Art of Living: Derek Tumala’s Creative Path
There’s something magnetic about people who see the world with fresh eyes—those who find wonder in the ordinary and possibility in the everyday. Derek Tumala, one of the 2024 CCP Thirteen Artists Awardees, is exactly that kind of person. His story is a reminder that curiosity isn’t just a childhood trait—it’s a lifelong companion for those who choose to nurture it.
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Growing up, Derek was the kind of kid who’d get lost in his family’s encyclopedia collection, flipping through pages about geography, nature, and world history. That early fascination with how things connect—how rivers shape continents, how history shapes culture—eventually led him to art school. But Derek’s journey didn’t stop at learning the basics of painting or sculpture. Instead, he dove headfirst into the world of media art, blending his love for science, nature, and technology into a practice that’s as experimental as it is heartfelt.
What’s striking about Derek’s approach is how he draws inspiration from all corners of life. A book, a film, a quiet afternoon, or even a fleeting moment like falling in love or sharing a kiss with a stranger—nothing is too mundane or too surreal to spark his creativity. For him, art isn’t just about making things; it’s about making sense of things. It’s about using creativity as a way to explore what it means to be alive.
Derek’s commitment to his craft is rooted in a belief that art can be a model for living. He sees his work as a way to articulate the big questions: What is life? How do we live meaningfully? And perhaps most importantly, how do we connect—with ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us?
This October, Derek will present a new piece at the National Museum of the Philippines for the Thirteen Artists Awards exhibition. His work, inspired by the theme of “loss and damage,” weaves together research on the climate crisis and endangered animals in the Philippines. But it’s not just about environmental loss; it’s also about the slow disappearance of traditional art practices in the face of capitalism and technological change. Derek’s piece, tentatively titled “Vanishing Tribes,” draws a poignant parallel between endangered species and endangered artists—both struggling to survive in a rapidly changing world.
Of course, the path of an artist isn’t always easy. Derek is candid about the challenges—criticism, uncertainty, and the ever-present pressure to persevere. But his advice to young artists is refreshingly down-to-earth: Enjoy life, work hard, be persistent, focus, and believe in yourself. It’s a mantra that anyone, artist or not, can take to heart.
Derek Tumala’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and connection. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just something we hang on walls or display in museums—it’s a way of seeing, questioning, and ultimately, living.
For more on the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards and updates on future events, check out the official CCP website and follow their social media channels.
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