Onib Olmedo Explained

Luis Veloso Olmedoa.k.a. Onib Olmedo
Birth Date:7 July 1937
Birth Place:Manila, Philippines
Nationality:Filipino
Known For:Figurative Expressionism
Spouse:Bettina Rodriguez Olmedo
Children:Gisella Olmedo-Araneta
Francesca Olmedo-Arias

Onib Olmedo (July 7, 1937 – September 8, 1996) was a Filipino painter acclaimed by critics as one of the major Filipino artists of the 20th century. Olmedo created a body of works that utilizes the expressionist technique of distortion to portray the inner torment experienced by modern man.

His paintings are characterized by an implosive impact but have an uplifting and ennobling quality, celebrating the triumph of the human spirit in the face of pain and anguish. At the same time, they are social commentaries with touches of wit and irony – reflections of the artist's quintessential, down-to-earth humor. The subjects of his paintings were the denizens of Sampaloc and Ermita, including musicians, prostitutes, vendors and waiters, as well as people from the upper strata like society matrons, corporate executives and ballerinas.

Olmedo died in 1996 when he was only 59 years old. His impact in the art scene continues to be felt on this day, as evidenced by a whole new generation of artists who are self-confessed Olmedo disciples, producing works inspired by their icon's distinctive style, and putting up exhibitions that have paid homage to their late master.

Career

1959–1961 Architect, Pablo Antonio & Associates

1961–1963 Architect, Pacific Merchandising Co.

1963–1968 Architect, Private practice

1959–1996 Weekend Job - Racing Judge and Steward, Manila Jockey Club

1969–1996 Full-time Artist

Awards

Year Award
1979Gold MedalistArt Association of the Philippines Annual Competition
1980Gold MedalistMobil Art Awards
1981Gold MedalistArt Association of the Philippines Annual Competition
1991"Araw ng Maynila" Awardee in Art
1992"Thirteen Artists Awardee"Cultural Center of the Philippines
AwardeeInternationale Exposition des Peintures

Chateau Musee de Cagnes-sur-Mer, France

Exhibitions

Retrospective shows

2007

2010

Posthumous shows

1998

2002

2003

2007

2012

2014

2016

2017

2020

Organization affiliations

Saturday Group of Artists (1969 - 1996)1994 - President, Saturday Group