Painting is an art form that has been around for centuries. Artists have always been appreciated for their unique styles, techniques, and creativity. In the Philippines, the government recognizes the contributions of artists by awarding them the prestigious title of National Artist. In this essay, we’ll explore the history of the National Artist Award and the artists who have received this honor for their contributions to painting.
The National Artist for Painting is a prestigious title awarded to outstanding individuals for their significant contribution to the development of Philippine arts through painting. It is considered to be the highest recognition given to Filipino artists by the Philippine government. The selection process is rigorous and entails scrutiny of the artist’s life, works, and impact on Philippine society and culture. Let’s learn more about the National Artist for Painting and the criteria for this esteemed title.
The History of the National Artist Award
the National Artist Award is the highest honor given to Filipino artists. It was established in 1972 by former President Ferdinand Marcos through Presidential Decree No. 1001. The award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and culture.
Initially, the award was given to artists in the fields of music, dance, theater, and literature. In 1976, painting and sculpture were included as categories for the award. Since then, the award has been given to many talented artists who have contributed significantly to the field of painting.
Criteria for the National Artist Award
To be considered for the National Artist Award, an artist must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and culture
- Must have a body of work that reflects the Filipino cultural heritage
- Must have a significant impact on the development of their art form in the Philippines and internationally
The National Artists for Painting
Several artists have received the National Artist Award for their contributions to painting. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Fernando Amorsolo
Fernando Amorsolo is one of the most well-known Filipino painters. He was born in 1892 and died in 1972. Amorsolo is known for his paintings of rural life in the Philippines. He was able to capture the beauty of the Philippine countryside and the simplicity of rural living. His paintings often feature bright colors and warm tones that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Amorsolo received the National Artist Award in 1972, the same year he passed away. He is considered one of the pioneers of Philippine art and his work is still celebrated today.
Carlos “Botong” Francisco
Carlos “Botong” Francisco was born in 1912 and died in 1969. He was known for his murals and paintings that depicted Philippine history and culture. His work often featured scenes of everyday life in the Philippines, as well as historical events such as the Katipunan Revolution.
Francisco received the National Artist Award in 1973. His work is still celebrated today and is considered an important part of Philippine art history.
Benedicto Cabrera
Benedicto Cabrera, better known as BenCab, was born in 1942. He is known for his modernist paintings and has been called one of the most important Filipino artists of his generation. His work often features bold colors and abstract shapes.
Cabrera received the National Artist Award in 2006. His work has been exhibited internationally and is considered an important part of the Philippine contemporary art scene.
Jose Joya
Jose Joya was born in 1931 in Manila and died in 1995. He was known for his abstract paintings that featured bold colors and geometric shapes. Joya was also a teacher and was instrumental in the development of the Philippine art scene in the 1950s and 1960s.
Joya received the National Artist Award in 2003. His work is still celebrated today and is considered an important part of Philippine art history.
Victorio Edades
Victorio Edades was born in 1895 in Pangasinan and died in 1985. He was known for his modernist paintings that broke away from the traditional style of Filipino art. Edades was also a teacher and was instrumental in the development of the Philippine art scene in the 1930s.
Edades received the National Artist Award in 1976. His work is still celebrated today and is considered an important part of Philippine art history.
Abdulmari Asia Imao
Abdulmari Asia Imao was born in 1936 in Sulu and died in 2014. He was known for his colorful and intricate sculptures that were influenced by Islamic and indigenous Philippine art. Imao was also a writer and cultural researcher.
Imao received the National Artist Award in 2006. His work is still celebrated today and is considered an important part of the Philippine art scene.
Arturo Luz
Arturo Luz was born in 1926 in Manila. He is known for his minimalist abstract paintings that often feature geometric shapes and bold colors. Luz is also a designer and has designed furniture, lighting, and other objects.
Luz received the National Artist Award in 2018. His work is still celebrated today and is considered an important part of the Philippine contemporary art scene.
FAQs: Who is the national artist for painting?
Who is considered the national artist for painting in the Philippines?
Fernando Amorsolo is considered the first national artist for painting in the Philippines. He was given the honor in 1972, ten years before his death. Amorsolo was a prolific painter known for his romanticized and idealized portrayals of Filipino life and culture. His work is characterized by vivid colors and his use of light to create atmosphere.
Who are the other national artists for painting in the Philippines?
Aside from Fernando Amorsolo, other national artists for painting in the Philippines include Carlos Francisco, Vicente Manansala, Cesar Legaspi, and Ang Kiukok. These artists are recognized for their significant contributions to the development of Philippine art and culture, and their works continue to be celebrated and studied today.
How is the national artist for painting chosen in the Philippines?
The selection of national artists for painting, as well as for other fields such as music, literature, and dance, is overseen by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in the Philippines. The selection process includes nominations from various arts organizations and cultural institutions, as well as from the general public. The nominees are then evaluated based on their artistic excellence, cultural impact, and contribution to Philippine arts and culture.
Can a living artist be named a national artist for painting in the Philippines?
Yes, a living artist can be named a national artist for painting in the Philippines. The selection process applies to both deceased and living artists, as long as they meet the criteria for artistic excellence, cultural impact, and contribution to Philippine arts and culture. In fact, some of the most recent national artists for painting named in the Philippines have been living artists.
