Exhibitions

An exhibit honoring National Artist for Sculpture Abdulmari Asia Imao, titled “Celebrating Imao” runs at the Power Plant Mall from Monday, April 20- Sunday, April 26, 2015. Imao, who passed away late last year, was an immense figure in the history in Philippine art, whose practice encompassed uniquely Filipino subjects and motifs. In this sense, Imao is perhaps the National Artist who truly represented the Philippines and its place within the larger Southeast Asian region.

The exhibit features works in paintings and sculptures that define the legacy of National Artist Imao. Born to a working class family from Sulu on January 14, 1936. Imao is perhaps one of the most academic of National Artists. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UP Diliman in the late 1950s (among his teachers was National Artist Guillermo Tolentino), he continued his studies at the University of Kansas (where he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree), the Rhode Island School of Design, and Columbia University. Before being named National Artist for Sculpture in 2006, he was included in the list of Ten Outstanding Young Men in 1968. For more information, please call 7239418 or visit www.galeriejoaquin.com

One of the foremost experts in Philippine culture, Imao spoke 12 dialects, was once Commissioner on National Languages. His interest in cultural artifacts peaked with his search and collection of a table that once belonged to Maximo Viola—this same table being where Jose Rizal wrote and finished his Noli Me Tangere. Imao’s own art reflected his upbringing and identification with Southern Philippines. Thus his subjects ranged from sarimanoks, sari-okir, and calligraphy. In his paintings, Imao echoes the colors of his background, with the bright hues of vinta sails and okir posts.

Fundamentally, Imao is an artist who would uniquely flourish only in the Philippines--and this fact was recognized by his inclusion in the Order of National Artists. This exhibit, done with the full cooperation of the late National Artist's estate and family, brings outstanding works before his upcoming memorial retrospective and forthcoming definitive coffee table book. It is a chance for the public to enjoy works by this absolutely unique National Artist, and appreciate his place in Philippine art history.

The opening reception will be on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the North Court of the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City and will run from April 20 to 26, 2015 before transferring to Galerie Joaquin in San Juan from April 27 to May 3, 2015.