Renowned painter Angel Cacnio dies at 90

Renowned Filipino painter Angel Cacnio died on Tuesday afternoon, July 13. He was 90 years old.

The painter’s eldest son, sculptor Ferdinand Cacnio, shared the Cacnio family’s statement on their father’s death in a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 14.

“His sickness was quite brief but he succumbed to pneumonia with complications yesterday afternoon,” the family said.

“Angel Cacnio will be remembered by many as a prolific painter, masterfully capturing various Filipino genre subjects. To us, he is Dad, Papa, Lolo, or Tiyo Angel – simple, kind, and God-fearing,” they added.

Renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio also paid tribute to his father.

“Rest in peace, Daddy. Thank you for everything. We love you and will miss you so much,” Michael wrote.

The wake will be held at Diamond Chapel of Loyola Memorial in Marikina City until the interment on Friday, July 16 at Loyola Memorial Park. The viewing will only be open to family members.

Cacnio was a renowned visual artist famous for his vivid paintings of Philippine culture and heritage – from historical events, local traditions, to nostalgic scenes from his hometown in Malabon. He graduated in 1954 from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a Fine Arts degree.

The award-winning artist’s The Capture of Mabini won the Apolinario Mabini Centennial Art Competition in 1964. He became a Gintong Ama Awardee for Arts and Culture in 1996  and a Centennial Gintong Ama Awardee for Arts and Culture. In 1953, he won his first award as a student at the Shell National Student’s Art Competition for Tatlong Sabungero.

The co-founder of the Visual Artist Creative Group was part of the Sining Tambobong Foundation and Malabon Tourism.

Cacnio designed the Central Bank’s 25- and 50-centavo coins, which circulated from 1982 to 1983, as well as today’s 20-peso and 100-peso bills. He was also known internationally, having held over 50 solo and group exhibits around the globe. He has also been featured in various international publications.

Cacnio married wife Amelia Reyes Cacnio in 1959 and have four children – Mabini, Michelle Pilar, Michael, and Ferdinand. – Rappler.com