Notable Artists

The Philippines has a fair share of artists. Ones that achieved greatness that paved the way to the country's contemporary art industry, as well as its positive impacts on the country's culture.

Fernando Amorsolo

May 30, 1892 - April 24, 1972
One of the most important artists in the history of painting in the Philippines
A portraitist and painter of rural Philippine landscapes.
Earned the nickname of "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art"
He is best known for his illuminated landscapes, which often depicted traditional Filipino costumes, culture, fiestas, and occupations.
Amorsolo is the first person to be awarded as National Artist of the Philippines in 1972.

Juan Luna

October 23, 1857 - December 7, 1899
A painter, sculptor and a political activist of the Philippine Revolution during the Spanish period in late 19th century.
His winning the gold medal in the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts, along with Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, proved to the world that "Filipinos could, despite their supposed barbarian race, paint better than the Spaniards who colonized them."
His most-known work, Spoliarium, is considered to be one of the most famous Filipino paintings.

José Joya

an abstract artist and a National Artist of the Philippines awardee.
pioneered abstract expressionism in the Philippines
His canvases were characterized by "dynamic spontaneity" and "quick gestures" of action painting.
Said to be the creator of compositions that were described as "vigorous compositions" of heavy impastoes, bold brushstrokes, controlled dips, and diagonal swipes"

Pacita Abad

October 5, 1946 – December 7, 2004
An Ivatan painter
She has acclaimed international recognition and her works are exhibited in over 200 museums around the world.
Abad saw herself as someone who broke the sex barrier in the art industry, saying "it was long overdue that Filipina women were recognized, as the Philippines was full of outstanding women".
One of her most famous works is the Alkaff Bridge, which is an art bridge found in Singapore.

Eduardo Masferré

April 18, 1909 – June 24, 1995
A Filipino-Catalan Photographer
Regarded as the Father of Philippine Photography
His photographs capture the culture of the people in his community and serve as a documentation of their customary practices and rituals.
He is remembered for his book on the People of the Philippine Cordillera Photographs 1934-1956, which was published in 1988.

José Nepomuceno

May 15, 1893 – December 1, 1959
One of the pioneering directors and producers of Philippine cinema
He is also known as the "founder of Philippine movies"
He produced the first Filipino silent film entitled Dalagang Bukid in 1919, and he had his own production company Jose Nepomuceno Productions.

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