How abstract artist Angelito Antonio will live on
Remembering the life and legacy of a Filipino modern arts icon
By Poch Eulalia
At A Glance
- His works often focused on the daily lives of Filipinos and gave them a colorful touch.
REST IN PEACE Angelito Antonio
Photos from Galerie Joaquin
Angelito Antonio was widely regarded as one of the pillars of Filipino modern art.
He was born on Feb. 3, 1939, in Malolos, Bulacan, and later went on to study fine arts at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). It was there were he was taught by the likes of other prominent Filipino artists like Vicente Manansala and Galo Ocampo.
His works often focused on the daily lives of Filipinos and gave them a colorful touch. There’s a clear influence from the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Subjects are often brought to life through geometric styles and bright colors.
Angelito’s works have gone as far as galleries based in New York and Saigon. Locally, he has won several art competitions, including third and second place for the Shell National Students Art Competition in 1958 and 1963, first place in the UST 300th Anniversary art competition in 1962, and first place in ana rt contest by the Philippine Airlines in 1968. Other notable awards include the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Thirteen Artists Award, given to him in 1970, and the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award by the City of Manila in 1984.
May his contributions to the Filipino art scene be forever remembered and inspire future generations of Filipino artists.