National Artist Arturo Luz dies

National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz died on Wednesday, May 26. He was 94 years old. 

The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter Angela Luz through a Facebook post. “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my father, our beloved National Artist, Arturo Luz. He peacefully joined his Creator at 8:45 this evening, and I stood by his side as he took his last breath,” wrote Angela. 

Aside from being a talented artist, Angela also paid tribute to her father’s caring and loving nature. “As a father and a grandfather, he was simply the best. He was the most kind and generous human being. And as a husband to my mother, he was perfect,” she said. 

“He was terribly missed, but will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on, and will last forever,” Angela added.   

Before his death, Arturo Luz was a founding director of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, and served in that position from 1976 to 1986. 

He also established the Luz Gallery, which, according to the National Commission on the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), “professionalized the art gallery as an institution and set a prestigious influence over generations of Filipino artists.” 

National Commission on Culture and the Arts

They added that the painter, sculptor, and designer “produced works that elevated Filipino aesthetic vision to new heights of sophisticated simplicity.” Arturo was named as a National Artist for Visual Arts in 1997.

Among his paintings are “Bagong Taon,” “Self-Portrait,” “Cities of the Past,” and “Imaginary Landscapes.” His mural painting “Black and White” is displayed in the lobby of the Bulwagang Carlos V. Francisco (Little Theater) in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. – Rappler.com