National Arts Month: Honoring Filipino National Artists in Visual Arts (2024)

Do you know that arts and cultureare very much renowned in the Philippines? This event, also known as theNational Arts Month, happens every February. It is an annual occasion whichstarted after the former president Corazon Aquino signed the PresidentialProclamation 683 in 1991.

Since then, the National Commissionfor Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with private and public agencies, hasbeen organizing this month-long event.

Hence, the NCCA throughSubcommission on the Arts (SCA) heads this year’s Ani ng Sining: PhilippineArts Festival. It shows a series of events in different places all over thecountry. Specifically, these events highlight the SCA’s 7 local boards and artswhich include:

• Architecture and Allied Arts
• Cinema
• Dance
• Dramatic Arts
• Literary Arts
• Music
• Visual Arts

Isn’t National Arts Month thrilling?As an artist, expect lots of fun! In short, you may attend workshops, shows,tours, which will happen nationwide! So, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Braceyourselves!

National Arts Month: Honoring the Philippine National Artists in Visual Arts

Apart from those bunch ofactivities, this festival also aims to make us relive in our hearts, the prideof being a Filipino.

One way to do this is to givetribute to the talents of our national artists. The National Artist Award isthe highest national recognition given to a Filipino artist. They are honoredunder the following types:

• Music
• Dance
• Theater
• Visual Arts
• Literature
• Film
• Broadcast Arts
• Architecture
• Allied Arts

List of Philippine National Artists

Meanwhile, CIIT Philippines gives a chance for aspiring artists to develop their talents into skills—specifically in Visual Arts. Moreover, it teaches students to respect artists of all fields and to value the artist’s style of their field. So, this National Arts Month, keep in mind the 17 Philippine National Artists in Visual Arts to inspire you become the best artist you can be.

FernandoAmorsolo (1972)

This man is the country’s first ever National Artist. He is known for infusing lighting technique into his works, making most of his designs bright and sunny.

Carlos“Botong” Francisco (1973)

Botong is the poet of Agono whose eye for structure, choice of color, and folk values are so distinct in his art.

Guillermo Tolentino (1973)

This artist well-known UP School of Fine Arts professor. He brought The Bonifacio Monument into life. He also designed the gold and bronze medals for theRamon Magsaysay Awardand did the seal of theRepublic of the Philippines.

NapoleonAbueva (1976)

He is not only the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture but also is the youngest recipient of this award. He also used many forms of materials in his craft.

VictorioEdades (1976)

Edades is tagged as the Father of Modern Philippine Painting. He is known for his dark and subdued shades in his art pieces.

VicenteManansala (1981)

He is an alumnus of Fine Arts course at the University of the Philippines. Indeed, his works mirror reality that reels on the verge of perception.

CesarLegaspi (1990)

This artist is the Philippines’ first neo-realist. He indeed used the geometric technique in his daring-themed arts.

HernandoOcampo (1991)

Ocampo is a self-taught painter. In particular, his arts portray harsh social truths to give knowledge after the Second World War.

ArturoLuz (1997)

As a painter, a sculptor, and a designer for over 40 years, he elevated the Filipino aesthetic vision through serious expression and form in his art.

Jeremias Elizalde Navarro (1999)

He is famous as a versatile and expert painter and sculptor. In fact, he devoted four decades for visual arts.

Ang Kiukok (2001)

Ang Kiukok’s works show nationalist fervor and agendas vital during the ‘60s.

JoseJoya (2003)

This talented man is a painter and multimedia artist. Consequently, he shows the country’s landscapes and authentic Filipino abstract idiom in his works.

Benedicto“BenCab” Cabrera (2006)

A man who supported the dominance of drawing over the decorative in his craft. Also, he began his career in the mid-sixties as a lyrical expressionist.

AbdulmariImao (2006)

Imao is a mentee of Guillermo Tolentino and Napoleon Abueva. He is also a sculptor, painter, photographer, and ceramist.

FedericoAlcuaz (2009)

This artist is known for his acrylic and oil paintings. He also draws in ink, water, and pencil.

FranciscoCoching (2014)

He is tagged as Dean of Filipino Illustrators. Also, he is known as a master storyteller who used images and print.

LarryAlcala (2018)

Lastly, is a famous painter whobrought lives to our men’s slice of life. His 58 years of cartooning broughtlife to witty comic strips.

One Step Away from Becoming a NationalArtist

So, this National Arts Month, it’s perfect to show your love for arts. Your passion is a great way to start your journey to become a skilled and unique artist. Likewise, CIIT, a fine arts school, is the best school for art. In fact, CIIT courses include Bachelor of Multimedia Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts, which you can take this school year.

Lastly, if you want to know more details about the CIIT Philippines’ Bachelor’s Degree programs, you may contact us or visit the CIIT official website.