Napoleon Abueva (1930-2018)

Noted as the Father of Modern Filipino sculpture, Abueva attended the University of the
Philippines with Joya and was mentored by noted sculptor Guillermo Tolentino, at the College
of Fine Arts. Born in Bohol, he is also the youngest National Artist awardee appointed by then
President Marcos, at the age of 46. His expertise was seen in a wide array of materials such as
hard wood, abode, steel, cement, marble, and bronze.
The Cross at Mt. Samat. Bataan completed in 1970 © Abueva / 1Bataan

Abueva is adept in traditional representation and modern abstract forms of sculpture. A trip
around the University of the Philippines will show you a number of his works, such as
the University Gateway and Nine Muses near the old faculty centre. He was also responsible for
the relief marble sculptures seen in the war memorial cross in Mt. Samat, Bataan.
It is the second highest cross in the world and the tallest in Asia. Under the commission of the
Philippine government, Abueva collaborated with designer Lorenzo del Castillo to create a
shrine that commemorates the thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who lost their lives
during the Japanese-led Bataan Death March in 1942. Make sure to walk up the flight of stairs
inside the cross to reach the top, and experience the fabulous views of Bataan.
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-10-most-famous-filipino-artists-and-their-
masterworks/

Submitted By: Orville John B. Elegino

Schedule: TTH 3:00-4:30pm