Proto Photo Educator: Teodulo Protomartir
curated by Jay Javier5 March – 23 April 2022
1/F West Wing Gallery and Video Room
The UP Vargas Museum, in partnership with the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, presents Proto Photo Educator: Teodulo Protomartir, a photography exhibition curated by Jay Javier, on 5 March 2022, Saturday, at the 1/F West Wing Gallery and Video Room.
The history of Philippine photography is fraught with gaps, inviting discussion on the identification of pioneers and progenitors. Proto Photo Educator: Teodulo Protomartir tries to address this situation as curator Jay Javier shines a light on Teodulo Protomartir, who may be considered a pillar of photography education in the country. This exhibition gathers more than 50 photographs taken by Protomartir; each image signifies the quality of Salon style photography, which promoted standards-based approaches to shooting images. The exhibition references Filipino attitudes towards photography and offers scenes of life in early 20th century Manila through the lenses of 35mm cameras. A selection of photographs from the Vargas Library and Archives strikes a conversation with Protomartir’s work and narrates the difficult life in Manila during the Second World War.
Teodulo Protomartir (b. 1903, d. 1977)
Teodulo Protomartir (b. 1903, d. 1977) was an amateur photographer from Manila. He received his education from San Beda College. He served as the photographic consultant for AGFA and Leitz, brands imported by Botica Boie in Manila. Protomartir promoted the use of 35mm cameras for amateur photography as well as salon photography culture through educating other passionate hobbyists and participating in 35mm Club Manila.
Jay Javier
Jay Javier is a faculty member of the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Photography Department. He founded Fotofabrik, a film photography studio specializing in old photographic equipment and processes.
For more information, please contact the Vargas Museum by emailing vargasmuseum@up.edu.ph, or messaging the Facebook page @vargasmuseum.upd or Instagram page @upvargasmuseum. You may also check our Twitter @upvargasmuseum for updates.