As the Philippines moved towards

Isabelo Tampinco is recognized as one of the independence, his designs increasingly

most outstanding sculptors of his time. incorporated Filipino motifs, such as native
flora and fauna ( like anahaw and banana
Although primarily known as a laborista (a leaves).
carver of ornament), his early works involved
sculptures and decorative carvings for Shows a growing sense of Filipino national
churches (e.g., Manila Cathedral), private identity and a departure from European
homes, statues of saints and angels, and traditions. Examples include his work in the
furniture. Sto. Domingo and San Ignacio churches in
Intramuros.

Tampinco's artistic legacy is deeply rooted in

his ability to blend European Neoclassicism
with a Filipino sensibility, creating a unique Furniture: Notably, Tampinco created a
style known as estilo Tampinco, which three-seater settee made from native
became synonymous with (estilo Filipino) materials like narra and rattan for Don
Filipino style. Maximo Viola, a key figure in the Philippine
Propaganda Movement advocating for
reforms during the Spanish colonial period.
His ability to master European
Neoclassicism Universal Exposition in
Philadelphia earned him accolades such as Despite his extensive contributions, public
the diploma de honor and silver medal at recognition of Tampinco’s work remains
the 1887 Exposición General de las Islas limited. Much of his work was lost to war,
Filipinas, in Madrid. natural elements, and historical events,
contributing to his relative obscurity among the
general public.
Tampinco's career spanned both the Spanish
and American colonial periods, allowing him
to witness and adapt to the changes in artistic Due to his significant contributions, Tolentino
trends. was honored with the title "Father of
Philippine Arts". In 1973, he was awarded
His later works, particularly furniture and the prestigious National Artist Award for
frames, incorporated Art Nouveau elements, sculpture.
reflecting the evolving artistic trends in the
early 20th century Philippines. Tolentino received numerous accolades,
including the UNESCO Cultural Award in
Sculpture, the Araw ng Maynila Award in
Sculpture, and the Republic Cultural
Heritage Award. His international recognition
included meeting President Woodrow
Wilson at the White House due to his statue
symbolizing peace.
l
Born in 1890, Tolentino's life was shaped by a Other Notable Works:
time of political upheaval, from the ● Bronze Medals: Designed the Ramon
Philippine Revolution against Spain to the Magsaysay Award medals.
American colonization. ● Venus: The Alma Mater statue of the
University of the East.
The surge in Filipino nationalism and the ● Filipinas in Bondage: A powerful
desire for self-determination profoundly representation of the Filipino struggle.
influenced his later works, such as the
Bonifacio Monument, which embodies these
themes.
Tolentino was widely recognized for his
classical style in sculpture, using traditional
The Bonifacio Monument: techniques to depict figures with lifelike
● Located at the intersection of EDSA realism and refined form.
and Rizal Avenue, this monument
symbolizes the Filipinos' struggle for Tolentino was a master of various sculptural
freedom. media, showcasing his versatility in working
● Tolentino won the design competition in with concrete, plaster, wood, marble,
1930 and completed the installation in bronze, and other materials.
1933.
● The monument depicts Andres
Bonifacio, serving as a powerful
symbol of Filipino resistance and the Eduardo Castrillo was considered the most
fight for independence. “avant gard”

He is considered the heir to National Artist

Guillermo Tolentino for his contribution to
The Oblation: large-scale public sculptures.
● Located at the University of the
Philippines (UP), this statue signifies He used bronze and brass to create
academic freedom. monumental works that express the hopes
● Commissioned by UP President Rafael and dreams of the Filipino people. His
Palma, it was unveiled in 1935 at the technique of using metal sheets for sculpture
was inspired by his father and can be traced
original Padre Faura Quadrangle in
back to pre-colonial Filipino techniques
U.P. Manila and later moved to UP used in creating funeral masks, reflecting an
Diliman in 1949. appreciation for Philippine artistic heritage.
● It was created around the same time as
the Bonifacio Monument, showing
Tolentino’s versatility in embodying Castrillo actively participated in the movement
themes of freedom and sacrifice. against Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship in
the 1980s, reflecting the social and political
climate of that time.

His People Power Monument along EDSA is

a permanent tribute to the 1986 revolution, a
pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
His works express a strong sense of Filipino
identity, capturing the nation’s struggles and
aspirations.

Through public monuments, he engages with

the country’s historical narrative, ensuring that
these national moments are visually
represented for future generations. Much of Abueva’s work is intertwined with the
historical and sociopolitical context of the
Castrillo’s sculptures serve to preserve Philippines. His sculptures often engaged
significant events in Philippine history and with themes of national pride, historical
commemorate Filipino values, inspiring remembrance, and the Filipino spirit.
future generations of artists and reinforcing
national identity. By creating public art that celebrated historical
events like the Blood Compact or memorials
for national heroes, Abueva contributed to a
People Power Monument: Located along national dialogue on identity and the collective
Camp Aguinaldo on EDSA, this is one of memory of the Filipino people.
Castrillo's most iconic works, commemorating
the People Power Revolution.
The nine muses of art: architecture, dance,
The Pieta: Situated in front of Loyola film, literature, music, painting, photography,
Memorial Park in Parañaque City, this sculpture, and theater.
sculpture is often mistakenly attributed to
Napoleon Abueva. Abueva used art to build a collective memory
of the Filipino experience. The National
The Spirit of EDSA Monument: Located at Heroes Shrine at Mt. Samat, Bataan, for
the RCBC Plaza on Ayala Avenue, Makati, instance, features his murals that honor
this sculpture stands outside the Yuchengco Filipino soldiers who fought in World War I
Museum.

"Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture":

Abueva is renowned for pioneering
modernism in Philippine sculpture.

National Artist for Sculpture (1976): He

received the prestigious National Artist title at
the age of 46, making him the youngest to
receive the honor.

Abueva was born into a family deeply involved

in public service. His father, Teodoro Abueva,
served as a congressman and governor of
Bohol, and was closely associated with
important national figures such as President
Manuel Roxas.

Innovative Use of Materials: He worked with

various materials such as molave,
kamagong, metal, bronze, marble, and
more, showing his adaptability and creativity.