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Sculptor Abdulmari Asia Imao was given a tribute by family and friends in a necrological ceremony held on Dec 21 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, followed by an interment held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Imao died on Dec 16 at the age of 78. He was named National Artist for Visual Arts in 2006 — the first Filipino Muslim awardee.
According to a CCP press release, he was cited for his “sculptures of diverse mediums and styles, as well as his refined and innovative rendering of indigenous art images and motifs” which were “testimonies of his highly developed aesthetic sensibility, ingenuity and wide-ranging experience as an artist.”
Imao’s major works include the Antonio Pigafetta Monument in Fort San Pedro, Cebu City; Pres. Elpidio Quirino Monument in Roxas Boulevard; Amandagat Monument in Batanes; Sultan Kadarat Mural in Philippine International Convention Center (PICC); Sarimanok paintings in Central Bank and National Museum; and calligraphic brass sculpture in UP and at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, among others.
Imao’s son Toym de Leon Imao spoke in behalf of the family.
Photo: Orly Daquipil
