Fernando Amorsolo

Our first ever National Artist is known for his paintings of

Philippine landscapes and his mastery in the use of the
Chiaroscuro backlighting technique, which became his
trademark. It is believed that he has painted rainy day scenery
only once. Maiden in a Stream, Dalagang Bukid, The
Mestiza, Planting Rice, and Sunday Morning Going to
Town are a few of his famous works.

Botong Francisco

Hailed the “greatest muralist of our country”, Francisco’s

popular works include Blood Compact, First Mass at
Limasawa, and The Martyrdom of Rizal. One of his greatest
works ever, Filipino Struggles Through History, has recently
been unveiled for public viewing, after four years of
restoration. The said mural is believed to have been
completed by Francisco only months before his passing.

Napoleon Abueva

The country’s Father of Philippine Sculpture and the youngest

National Artist awardee has mastered the use of various
materials including hard wood, adobe, metal, stainless steel,
cement, marble, alabaster, and more. His popular works
include Kaganapan, Kiss of Judas, and Nine Muses, currently
installed in front of the UP Faculty Center.
 Hernando Ruiz Ocampo

Ocampo was a self-taught painter who ignited the nationalist

spirit during the post-war era through his works. His abstract
paintings would depict landscapes of the Philippines, its rich
flora and fauna, and the stars, sun, and rain. Before teaching
himself visual arts, he studied law and commerce, and worked
as a writer. His popular works include Genesis, Ina ng
Balon, and Slum Dwellers.

Ang Kiukok

Kiukok was a Filipino painter of Chinese descent from Davao.

His style is a merge of influences from cubism, surrealism,
and expressionism. Many of his works which were painted
during the Marcos regime would often feature fighting cocks,
dogs, and people in chains. Some of his best works
include Geometric Landscape, Pieta, and Seated Figure.

Vicente Manansala

A cubist painter and illustrator, Manansala’s popular works

include Madonna of the Slums, Jeepneys, and San Francisco
Del Monte. He was also an illustrator for the Philippine Herald.
A neo-realist, he became known for uniquely depicting
together cultures of the barrio and the city in his artworks.

Francisco Coching

Filipino comic books illustrator Coching was a key figure

during the Golden Age of Philippine Comics during the 50s
and 60s. He is hailed the Dean of Philippine Comics, King of
Komiks, and a “master storyteller in images and print”.
Majority of his works have been translated into film, such
as Pedro Penduko and El Negro.

Abdulmari Imao

Imao is the first ever Moro to receive a National Artist

recognition. Born to a family of boat-makers, he showed
interest in arts at an early age, wrote a request to then
President Magsaysay for a study grant, and was given
scholarships to study abroad. He is known for his okir,
sarimanok, and the naga sculptures, and is considered the
brass making consultant of the U.N.