Palace mourns passing of national artist Napoleon Abueva

Image: Facebook/Metropolitan Museum of Manila

Malacañang condoled on Friday with the family of National Artist Napoleon Abueva who passed away at the age of 88.

“We join the entire nation in mourning the passing of an exemplary artist, known as the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque said “Abueva’s unparalleled contributions in the realm of arts will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of every Filipino.”

READ: National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva; 88

“He is remembered as the youngest Filipino to become a national artist, who shaped the local sculpture scene to what it is now, utilizing almost all kinds of materials indigenous or native to the Philippines,” he said.

Abueva, he added, “also paved the way for the recognition of authentic Filipino talent in the global art scene, with his works installed in different museums both here and abroad.”

“He will forever be honored as a renowned virtuoso whom future generations of Filipino artists will look up to. We pray for the repose of his soul,” he said.

In January, Abueva underwent blood transfusions and had been confined at the NKTI since then until he passed away on Friday morning. /jpv