13 NATIONAL ARTISTS

One of the anticipated sections “National Artists” remained on the second footing of MOPAC. The Order of National Artist is the highest honor bestowed upon Filipinos who have made notable contributions to the development of the nation’s artistic landscape. A set of criteria is considered and benefits are given to the awardees for their dedication and passion for what they do.

The first National Artist Fernando Armosolo captured the floor with his backlighting technique featuring the rural areas of the country—creating a connection between his art and the masses. Further, it also comprises Carlos Modesto Francisco with such familiar pieces (e.g. Bayanihan) for it can be seen in educational textbooks; Victorio Edades, the father of Modern Art; Napoleon Isabelo Abueva and Guillermo Tolentino, outstanding sculptures; Ang Kuikok, a Filipino Chinese that portrayed the society with eerie and gloomy themes; and Hernando Ruiz Ocampo, highlight the poverty and suffering of the country together with his unique color palette.

Additionally, we cannot bypass the others, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, known for his gestural and soft edges paintings; Vicente Manansala, a Kapampangan who bridged the gap between cosmopolitan and rural life; Cesar Legaspi, who painted around 3,000 pieces amidst his color blindness; Jose Joya, who pioneered abstract expressionism; Jerry Navarro Elizalde, a versatile artist who mixed different media; and Arturo Luz, founded Neo-realist school. The paintings of the said National Artists gave a heart and found a home in our museum.