His surreal landscapes and floralscapes, among other series in his decades-long career, transport his patrons to visceral reflections—making him a creative force that will never fade into oblivion
The country's art community joyfully celebrated Juvenal Sansó's 92nd birthday last November 23—a feat that not so many masters of the Philippine art scene from his generation have achieved. In his twilight years, Sansó continues to create striking paintings that are deeply appreciated by today's generation and continue to inspire younger artists who want to strive for brighter careers ahead of them.
Museum director Ricky Francisco of the Fundacion Sansó talks with Tatler about the life and art of Juvenal Sansó and connects us with the esteemed master himself to know his thoughts and inspirations, and what art means to him.
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Señor Sansó, as he is affectionately called, was born on November 23, 1929, at the capital city of Reus in the province of Tarragona of the currently autonomous region of Catalonia, northeastern Spain.
It was the birthplace of architect Antonio Gaudí and was an important site of textile, wine trading, agriculture, and livestock farming industries, among others. However, the political atmosphere in Catalonia was tumultuous even before Sansó was born. For decades since the 1870s, Catalan nationalism has grown to a predominant force, and so was its leaders' fight for the autonomy of the region.
The precursors of the Spanish Civil War forced the family of Sansó to emigrate to the Philippines before it went full-blown in the latter part of the 30s. The artist was five years old then when he left Spain.
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