National artist Imao passes away

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Mindanao artists have lost an icon and an inspiration following the death of national artist and sculptor Abdulmari Asia Imao.

“We lost a great icon in the world of national arts and heritage,” Rameer Tawasil, also a renowned and multi-awarded Tausug painter, said by telephone.

Tawasil said for young artists like him, Imao’s death was a big loss.

National artist and sculptor Abdulmari Asia Imao. FACEBOOK PHOTO/Toym Leon Imao/Galerie Joaquin

“It’s a great loss. His influence was so immense and he was a major inspiration,” Tawasil said of his townmate.

Tawasil said he learned of Imao’s death Tuesday morning from one of the sculptor’s sons.

In his Facebook post, Toym Leon Imao said “our beloved dad, Dr. Abdulmari Asia Imao Sr., national artist for sculpture passed away peacefully early this morning.”

“After our family would have had the opportunity to gather our thoughts and privately mourn his sudden departure, we shall announce state funeral arrangement at the soonest possible time so we can gather as friends and kindred spirits in the arts and celebrate his life and bid him farewell on his journey,” the younger Imao said.

Imao’s son said his father started his journey “alongside his mythical Sarimanok before flying off into the heaven.”

Tawasil said Imao was never boastful despite his stature as an artist.

“He was so open about his humble beginnings as nagtitipak ng bato or seller of icedrops so he can push farther his dreams of becoming an artist. He never hid his past, that was his inspiration everytime he conducted art workshops with budding artists,” Tawasil added.

Among Imao’s popular creations are the mythical sarimanok, which was inspired by his Maranao and Tausug heritage.

“His works are great contributions to our national heritage. The Sarimanok is the epitome of Mindanao culture that has been used as logo for Miss Universe candidate Gloria Diaz and the same sarimanok that has been used as station ID of the ABS CBN,” Tawasil said.

Both the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts expressed their condolences to the family of Imao.

NCCA described Imao as not only a sculptor but also a painter, photographer, ceramist, documentary film maker, cultural researcher, writer, and articulator of Philippine Muslim art and culture. Through his works, the indigenous ukkil, sarimanok and naga motifs have been popularized and instilled in the consciousness of the Filipino nation and other peoples as original Filipino creations, the NCCA said.