Philippine Art: Amorsolo and Joaquin

Philippine Art and Artists

Fernando Amorsolo

• Bestowed the title "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art" in 1969 during Manila Hilton's art center inauguration.
• Developed signature backlighting technique for figures resembling a sensual connection with Philippine landscapes.
• Major works include:
  • Maiden in a Stream (1921) - GSIS collection
  • El Ciego (1928) - Central Bank of the Philippines collection
  • Dalagang Bukid (1936) - Club Filipino collection
  • The Mestiza (1943) - National Museum of the Philippines collection
  • Planting Rice (1946) - UCPB collection

Carlos "Botong" Francisco

• Distinguished as a leading mural painter, reviving the art of muralism in the Philippines.
• Known for historical themes in artworks.
• Notable murals include:
  • Portrait of Purita
  • The Invasion of Limahong
  • Blood Compact
  • The Martyrdom of Rizal

Guillermo E. Tolentino

• National Artist for Sculpture in 1973, famous for the Philippine Republic seal design.
• Key creations include:
  • UP Oblation
  • Bronze figures of President Quezon
  • Life-size busts of Jose Rizal
  • Marble statue of Ramon Magsaysay

Napoleon V. Abueva

• Recognized as the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture.
• Notable for "buoyant sculpture" designed for viewing from water surfaces.
• Major works comprise:
  • Kaganapan (1953)
  • Kiss of Judas (1955)
  • Sandugo (Blood Compact)
  • The Fredesvinda (Fort Canning Park, Singapore) (1982)

Victorio C. Edades

• Known as the Father of Modern Philippine Painting, utilizing dark, somber colors.
• Artwork themes focus on everyday Filipino life and laborers.
• Notable pieces include:
  • Japanese Girl
  • The Artist and the Model

Vicente Manansala

• Celebrated for realistic themes depicted in abstract or cubist style.
• Believed in the artistic process reflecting intimacy and connection.

Hernando R. Ocampo

• Prominent for abstract paintings characterized by vibrant colors and curved lines.
• The artwork "Genesis" was integral in designing the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ curtain.

Cesar Legaspi

• Renowned for refining cubism in his works, breaking forms into geometric shapes.

Jeremias Elizalde Navarro

• Known for hardwood masks and abstract paintings; also wrote fiction for Philippine publications.

Ang Kiukok

• Esteemed for conveying nationalism through cubist figures during the 1960s.
• Major works include "Geometric Landscape" and "Pieta".

Benedicto Reyes Cabrera (Bencab)

• Recognized as a master of contemporary Philippine art, known for the character Sabel symbolizing resilience and dignity.

Abdulmari Asia Imao

• Multifaceted artist embracing Philippine Muslim art culture through various mediums.
• Influenced by mentors like Napoleon Abueva.

Federico Aguilar Alcuaz

• Known for oil and acrylic paintings, alongside sketches in ink and watercolor.

Francisco Coching

• Labeled "Dean of Filipino Illustrators," pivotal in popularizing comics as an art form.

Jose T. Joya

• Pioneer of abstract expressionism in the Philippines; showcased work at the Venice Biennale.

Lauro "Larry" Alcala

• National Artist for Visual Arts (2018) known for humorous comic strips reflecting Filipino life.
• Created over 500 characters and worked on iconic strips like Slice of Life.

Arturo Luz

• Recognized for geometric abstract paintings and sculptures; instrumental in developing the Philippine art scene through the Luz Gallery.

Explore the significance of Fernando Amorsolo, often referred to as the 'Grand Old Man of Philippine Art', and his innovative backlighting technique. This quiz delves into the influence of Amorsolo's works and his recognition in Philippine art history, along with the contributions of Nick Joaquin. Test your knowledge on this pivotal era in the Philippine arts.