(Photo source: NCCA)
THE National Artist distinction holds deep meaning for Philippine arts and culture.
The conferment of the Order of National Artists of the Philippines or the Order ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining ng Pilipinas is done by the President of the Philippines on Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine art.
The Order is administered by the Cultural Center of the Philippines by virtue of Proclamation 1001-1972 issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., it immortalizes exemplary masters across multiple disciplines, from music to visual arts. Their creative excellence and unparalleled artistry receive due prestige befitting legends.
The first Award was posthumously conferred on painter Fernando Amorsolo. For a complete list, here's the link: https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/national-artists-of-the-philippines/
Napoleon Abueva, a native of Tagbilaran City, Bohol was named National Artist in 1976. He was the youngest recipient of the award at the age of 46.
Hailed as the pioneering "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture," Abueva helped shape the evolution of sculpture in the country. He displayed versatility across different styles from academic to modern abstract art.
Strikingly visible along the Academic Oval of the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus in Quezon City is Napoleon Abueva’s reinforced concrete sculpture titled, “Siyam na Diwata ng Sining” (Nine Art Deities). Inaugurated on February 7, 1991, it was named by the Executive Committee of the College of Arts and Letters after it was bequeathed to them by the artist himself. It is situated in the Hardin ng mga Diwata (subsequently named after the work), a garden in front of the UP Faculty Center. (Photo courtesy: Art Studies UP Diliman Facebook page)
Abueva worked with diverse media ranging from various hardwoods to adobe, metal, cement, marble, and coral.
Some notable innovations he introduced were "buoyant sculptures" meant to be viewed in pools in 1951 and a one-man exhibition at the Philippine Center in New York during the 1980s.
His monumental works have been installed in prestigious art institutions both locally and worldwide, including the United Nations headquarters. Through his trailblazing creativity, Abueva helped redefine Philippine sculpture on the global stage.
This Ipil wood sculpture titled, “Structure” by Napoleon Abueva is located on the first floor of the United Nations General Assembly building in New York City. (Photo courtesy: un.org)
As we mark his 94th birth anniversary today, January 26, Abueva's designation as "Pambansang Alagad ng Sining" reminds us of the government program's vital role - to eternally celebrate homegrown talent.
Beyond personal triumph, being a National Artist represents the pinnacle of contributing to national identity. Abueva's works enrich our visual heritage. His stylistic innovations expanded the very definition of Philippine sculpture. This is the transcendent power of art - to refine expression, reimagine possibilities, and deepen the soul of our culture.
And by elevating exceptional creatives as heroes, the National Artist program ignites inspiration. Young talents driven by passion and daring can aspire to one day join the ranks of Abueva and honored predecessors like Botong Francisco. They need not conform, only nourish creativity. Such is the meaningful impact of distilling the Philippine identity into model creative spirits.
As we pay tribute to masters like Abueva, the National Artist program reminds us of the wealth of world-class Filipino talent we must continually uplift. Their arts and perspectives enrich humanity. By honoring those who came before, we sculpt an even brighter future for generations of gifted Pinoy creatives and innovators to come. (JVD/PIA-NCR)
