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Francisco T. Lopez Francisco “Cocoy” Lopez (born September 26, 1984) is a Filipino contemporary artist and an activist for environmental legislation in the Philippines. He is popularly known for his work “The Dead Whale” sculpture that was displayed publicly in Siargao. Early life and Education Cocoy was born on September 26, 1984 in Pilar, Surigao Del Norte. His father, Fernando Lopez is a professional surfer and inspired him to learn and love surfing. His mother, Concepción Torres Lopez, bought him his first surfboard for him to enhance his surfing skills. At the age of seven, he went to Salvacion Elementary School and graduated as valedictorian. He continued his education at Pilar National High School wherein he discovered his passion for the arts. Growing up in a place surrounded by islands, he was deeply moved by the beauty of mother nature and promised to protect the environment, particularly Siargao. Back then, during his high school years, he started to join various campaigns and programs that promote conservation and protection of the environment. He decided to study at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts taking up Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Sculpture wherein he was greatly recognized for his notable artworks which include “It’s Not About Art” and “Confrontation”. Also, he had won different awards in some of the university’s artwork contests. He then went back home to continue his love for surfing as he does art works about the environment Career After graduating from the University of the Philippines, Cocoy started a small studio in his hometown in Surigao del Norte. But after 5 months, he decided to close it down and just continue his passion for surfing. Because of his love for nature, Cocoy joined an organization, GreenPeace Philippines. Through this, he found a way to make art and use his sculptures as a form of campaign for environmental awareness. His first artwork,"The Trife", was displayed beside Pilar Municipal Hall during elections. This artwork lead notice to the municipality's issue on garbage disposal and segregation. His sculptures and other artworks were then recognized by the public. "Since I was a child, I already feel my connection to the oceans -- the nature -- and I found an outlet to express my passion and love for the environment through art." - Francisco Lopez Cocoy continued to create more artwork as a part of the organization's advocacy while their campaign all throughout Visayas and Mindanao. Aside from this, he has made a few personal artworks which have been exhibited in Manila and they were highly regarded by some of his fellow art enthusiasts. Some of his works were featured in International television. His most popular artwork is "The Dead Whale" that depicts the issue of polluted oceans and rivers wherein it caused the destruction of the ocean’s natural ecosystems which then led to the death of marine animals. On November 25, 2010, he was awarded as 2010 Hero for the Environment. It is a national individual award given by the Center for Environmental Concerns in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to those people who have shown great dedication and performed remarkable acts in the conservation of the environment. Style and Technique Cocoy is famous for his art depicting the crisis or the state of the environment. As a modern artist, he uses assembling, an additive sculpting technique that involves bringing different waste or recyclable materials to form an art piece. With this, not only it made his artwork unique but it also helped in promoting sustainability and conservation of natural resources.. Furthermore, his art also encompasses the way he wants to protect the environment. His works usually revolves around Recycled or Land Art. Critical evaluation Most of the audience support Cocoy's style of demonstrating artworks and it's timeliness related to the present issues of the country's environment. However, some of his critics do not appreciate or acknowledge his artworks since they merely focus on the aesthetic aspect of his art and not on the messages and deep meanings that his artwork portrays. Legacy Currently, the total number of artworks that Lopez made accounted to 120 which include paintings and contemporary art. Some of his artworks can be found on local museums and schools while few can be seen in landmarks of Surigao del Norte. Lopez became a significant influence to the young minds of some local artist in Siargao specifically to those who also are strong advocates of nature.