The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has mourned the death of National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz.
Luz died on Wednesday, May 26. He was 94 years old.
"We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved loved ones of Thomasian National Artist Arturo R. Luz. May he rest in peace," the university wrote on its official Facebook page on Friday, May 28.
"Known for his pioneering works of minimalism and abstraction, Luz was dedicated to explore various artforms that led to new crafts ahead of his time. Most importantly, the core of his art, in all his intent, is stemmed from his desire to chisel Philippine Arts in the map," UST said.
Luz co-founded the Philippine Neo-realist movement, along with fellow artist Fernando Zobel de Ayala.
He served as founding director of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila from 1976 to 1986.
Luz also established the Luz Gallery which "professionalized the art gallery as an institution," according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA).
Among his paintings are "Bagong Taon," "Vendador de Flores," and "Skipping Rope."
His painting entitled "Black and White" is mounted at the lobby of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Bulwagang Carlos V. Francisco.
A painter, sculptor, and designer for over 40 years, Luz received the National Artist Award in 1997.