Ukiyo-e refers to Japanese paintings and woodblock prints. The term is a combination of Japanese words: “uki” which means sadness or floating, “yo” which means life or world, and “e” which means picture. It reflects the Buddhist concept of impermanence because life is transitory – a cycle of birth, suffering, death, and re-birth.
For their Art Class, Grade 9 students came up with Ukiyo-e inspired illustrations following the theme: The Face of the Philippines in the Time of the Pandemic. The skills applied in this project focused on the application of their understanding of the art and style of Ukiyo-e Prints in Japan. Each illustration is a portrayal of modern day heroes and an expression of the student’s appreciation for the sacrifices of different members of society who continue to serve the country during our current crisis.