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Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila

Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila

It is said that the country has a long tradition of three-dimensional art such as sculpture, and longer than painting, drawing and other two-dimensional forms of expression. Its tactility (inviting to be touched) and plasticity (ability to be shaped or molded) makes it a more compelling art form for Filipinos. A variety of media are used and worked into three-dimensional art objects. In the Philippines, this art form started even before the Spaniards came. Woodcarving along with textile weaving, basketry, earthenware pottery and jewelry formed the early cultural traditions shared by the country with the rest of Southeast Asian nations. 


The original purpose of sculptures made from wood was spiritual especially in relation to ceremonies and beliefs. Throughout the Spanish and American colonization, woodcarving intensified through the religious images and classical architecture. Public monuments and statues began to increase to commemorate historical figures and events. Filipino artists also display their creativity through sculptures using different styles, types, elements and media. These outdoor sculptures can be considered as public art  –  art in the public realm, created for and accessible to the public usually in open spaces. 

Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
1972 Gomburza Centennial Monument by Solomon Saprid

The National Museum Complex in Manila is home to several larger than life sculptures and public art made by different Filipino artists. One of these is the 1972 Gomburza Centennial Monument located at the Liwasang Gomburza along Padre Burgos Avenue in front of the National Museum of Fine Arts. The bronze monument was sculpted by the modernist sculptor Solomon Saprid depicting the martyrdom of the three Filipino Catholic priests: Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora – GOMBURZA being an abbreviation of the first syllables of their last names – who were executed by garrote on February 17, 1872. It was originally erected at Plaza Roma in front of the Manila Cathedral before being moved to its present site.


Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Manuel L. Quezon by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino

Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Sergio Osmeña by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino

Two other figurative sculptures are located on the west façade of the National Museum of Fine Arts. National Artist Guillermo Tolentino created the plaster molds for casting the statues of two Philippine presidents, Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña. These were eventually cast in bronze at the Fonderia Berdicando Marinelle in Italy. Federico S. Ilustre created the marble pedestals on which they are mounted. The sculptures were unveiled in 1965 and 1966, respectively and both were declared as Important Cultural Properties in 2019 by the National Museum of the Philippines.


Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Figura by National Artist Arturo Luz

Modern sculptures by the National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz may be found on open spaces of the National Museum of Fine Arts. These sculptures, in different finishes and were acquired in 2015 , may be characterized as simplified geometrical forms on steel plates. Located southwest of the NMFA on the corner of Padre Burgos Avenue and Finance Road, Figura is an red-painted sculpture featuring what seems as two figures perpendicularly interlocked. 


Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Sempere: Homage to Eusebio Sempera by National Artist Arturo Luz

The next masterpiece in flat black finish located on southeast of the building was named Sempere: Homage to Eusebio Sempere, acknowledging Luz’s admiration to the Spanish kinetic artist. 


Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Tapies: Homage to Antoni Tapies by National Artist Arturo Luz

On the roof garden of the NMFA annex building is a white, tall sculpture Tapies: Homage to Antoni Tapies which honors the Catalan surrealist artist. 


Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Zobel: Homage to Fernando Zobel by National Artist Arturo Luz

Zobel: Homage to Fernando Zobel is in red finish and may be seen in the middle of the open space parking area. It pays tribute to the Spanish Filipino abstract expressionist artist who moved to Cuenca, Spain mid-career. 


Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Tribal by National Artist Arturo Luz

Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Rueda: Homage to Gerardo Rueda by National Artist Arturo Luz

Two more sculptures painted yellow are located on open spaces, north of the building. These are Tribal, depicting a tall geometric figure, and Rueda: Homage to Gerardo Rueda, in honor of another Spanish abstract artist. 


Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Anito by National Artist Arturo Luz

Finally, in front of the Northeast façade of National Museum of Anthropology, Anito, in rust finish is the largest among the sculptures on the NMP grounds and for allowing it to continue to oxidize, it may be considered Luz’s most conceptual.


Outdoor Sculptures and Public Art Found in the National Museum of the Philippines Complex in Manila
Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom by Juan Sajid Imao

The last identified statue found on the National Museum complex stands at the center of Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, formerly Agrifina Circle, between the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History. The Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom in bronze was created by Juan Sajid Imao and measures 30-foot tall. The statue that features Lapu-Lapu was a gift from The Korea Freedom League and Poongsan Microtech Philippine Inc. in appreciation and honor of the memory of freedom loving Filipinos who sent their sons to help save Korean democracy during the Korean War. The statue was placed 400 feet from Rizal Monument, which symbolizes the 400 years between the time of Lapu-Lapu and Jose Rizal.


Since the NMP has taken custody of the eastern side of the Rizal Park on January 1 this year, we are in the process of identifying artists and provenance for eventual repositioning of those sculptures found in the area. Those sculptures we have mentioned above demonstrate the work and creativity of Filipino artists that enhance the open spaces of our built heritage. As we can observe in the National Museum Complex, sculptures form part of the Philippines’ built tradition. 


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Text and map by Archt. Kamille Patrizia C. Sepidoza-Daysa and photos by Eric Estonato | NMP AABHD

© National Museum of the Philippines (2021)



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