Cover The late Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao
The late Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao
1 / 1
Explore in Abdulmari Imao’s works indigenous brass casting techniques and folk motifs drawn from his Sulu heritage
Being a sculptor, painter, photographer, ceramist, filmmaker, researcher, and writer—the late Abdulmari Asia Imao had a prolific artistic career and left an invaluable contribution to Philippine arts and culture. The most important of all isn’t even on the roster; he’s also a National Artist for Visual Arts and was the first Moro to receive the recognition. In honour of his talent and achievements, the Center for Campus Art (CCA) holds A Life Without Borders, an exhibition providing a comprehensive introduction to the artistry of Imao.
In case you missed it: All about the second edition of Modern and Contemporary Art Festival 2023
Curated by CCA Director Architect Gerry Torres, the exhibit is now open to the public at the 12/F Main Gallery of the Design and Arts Campus, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). It is available for public view until Friday, September 8, from 10 am to 9 pm.
Above Paintings by National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao
Above Sculptures by National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao
Paintings by National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao
1 / 2
Above One of the sculptures displayed in the exhibition
Above A painting by Imao stretching through the hallway
One of the sculptures displayed in the exhibition
1 / 2
The vast collection that makes up the exhibit is on loan from Imao’s son, the visual artist Toym Imao. It features approximately 28 paintings that champion the indigenous ukkil, sarimanok, and naga designs—decorative motifs commonly used in Mindanao by the Tausūg and Maranao.
Above Imao’s son, the visual artist Toym Imao
Imao’s son, the visual artist Toym Imao
1 / 1
Also included is an assemblage of 38 sculptures that show Imao’s intricate wood carving and signature brass casting techniques. The pieces are situated at the centre of the gallery, honouring the Sulu archipelago, which is a nod to the home of the Moro artist.
Imao’s works and motifs are deeply rooted in his Muslim upbringing. However, he also showed respect for other faiths. His late wife, Grace Bondoc De Leon, was a devout Catholic. This strong inter-faith relationship is reflected in his paintings and sculptures.
More from Tatler: Jaime Ponce de Leon reveals to the public Juan Luna’s long-lost masterpiece
Above The late Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao
The late Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao
1 / 1
About the artist
Imao was born in 1936 to a family of boatmakers. Dubbed “Mari” by his friends and colleagues, he started delving into the arts at a young age, leading a fulfilled and colourful life as an artist.
He studied at the University of the Philippines, mentored by two National Artists for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino and Napoleon Abueva. With a bachelor’s degree in Sculpture, Imao earned postgraduate degrees at the University of Kansas, the Rhode Island School of Design, and Columbia University in the USA.
In 1963, he became the first Asian to receive the New York Museum of Modern Art Grant throughout Europe.
Above One of Imao’s paintings in the exhibit
One of Imao’s paintings in the exhibit
1 / 1
Upon his return to the Philippines, he taught Fine Arts at the University of the East and accomplished several photojournalistic and scholarly research works about Mindanao. There, he promoted brass casting techniques. He then became a brass-making consultant for the United Nations.
Imao was recognised with the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) Award in 1968 for his contributions to Philippine culture and the arts. He was also lauded with the Gawad Patnubay ng Sining by the City of Manila in 1985, the Gawad CCP para sa Sining in 1990, and the Presidential Medal of Merit in 2005.
Above Order of the National Artists: the Grand Collar
Order of the National Artists: the Grand Collar
1 / 1
In 2006, he became the first Moro to be honoured as a National Artist of the Philippines.
On the early morning of December 16, 2014, at the age of 78, Imao peacefully joined Allah in his resting place.
For more information on the exhibition, visit facebook.com/BenildeCampusArt.
NOW READ
Duncan Macmillan’s ‘Lungs’ and ‘Every Brilliant Thing’: an intimate theatrical experience
Andres Barrioquinto on expanding his reach as a visual artist
All about the second edition of Modern and Contemporary Art Festival 2023
Credits
Photography: De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
