NAPOLEON VELOSO- ABUEVA

NATIONAL ARTIST FOR SCULPTURE

FATHER OF MODERN PHILIPPINE SCULPTURE
NATIONAL ARTIST OF THE PHILIPPINES IN THE FIELD OF VISUAL ARTS

SIGNIFICANCE OF ARTWORKS

1. SCIENTIFIC/ RESEARCH
As time and eras change, so does art as well as the concept of art. In
fact, contemporary art practice is now so highly saturated with theoretical
knowledge that it is becoming a research practice in and of itself. Artists have
not only taken up art criticism and negotiations, they now also integrate research
methods and scientific knowledge into their artistic process to such a degree that
it even seems to be developing into an independent form of knowledge on its
own. Abueva’s work contributes significantly to Scientific Research because it can
be basis for studies. His experimentation with different mediums can be a
stepping stone to explore other mediums that can be sculpted on. Also, Abueva
was consistently experimenting and never sticking to what is traditional, aside
from sculpture, he also translated his art works into furniture and other industrial
designs. Napoleon Veloso Abueba is the born expirementor . Seeking to extend
the boundaries of his art he invented “buoyant sculpture” which has intrigued
puzzled and finally inspired his generation of sculptors. He has also created play
sculpture and sculpture furniture, both of which reflect his originality and
versatility.

2. HISTORICAL
Art from the past holds clues to life in the past. By looking at a work of
art's symbolism, colors, and materials, we can learn about the culture that
produced it. For example, Abueva’s works that started with the clay figures he
made in his hometown of Duero, Bohol depicts religiosity and human relations,
virtues held high by the Boholano community. After decoding the symbolism in
these artworks, we can learn what was important to these people- the sculptor
Abueva and his fellow Boholanos and how they wanted to be remembered.
Moreover, these personal pieces will serve as landmarks and noteworthy artifacts
for the future generation to see what Bohol and the Boholanos and the Filipinos
were like in the time of Abueva. He also sculpted the Sandugo or Blood Compact
Shrine which is the site of the first international treaty of friendship between
Spaniards and Filipinos.
3. SOCIAL
Abueva’s work focused on religion, family and love of country, values of
great importance to the artist, his family and his country. One of his most
celebrated works is the CYCLE OF LIFE- made in both steel and fiberglass that
shows geometrical patterns of a family, a father, mother and children. This
artwork embodies “pillar” or “haligi”- the social stereotype for fathers which for
him is the fundamental structure of life. To add, Napoleon Abueva admired
Brancusi’s Mother and Child sculpture that is why he also created his own
because he wanted to hint people about the natural beauty of childbirth and
motherhood. His work contributes on the social aspect because it entails values
and social clues that we Boholanos should held in our heart to be true.

4. SPIRITUAL
The Transfiguration of Jesus, Temple of the Child Jesus, and various
crucifixes are a part of Abueva’s 700+ listed works. These art works shows the
deep faith and reverence of Abueva to his Creator. It is for his large monumental
works for which he is best known. In the figures of the Christ that he has hewn
for chapels and churches all over the country, he reveals an unsuspected
religious spirit, large in inception, large still in inspiration. The same spirit informs
his secular works as in the historico- heroic murals commemorating the virtues of
the race in numerous national shrines. This shows that Boholanos are deeply
religious and Abueva serves as an inspiration and a person to be emulated being
a man with deep faith and seeing it in his life’s works.

5. ECONOMIC
Every day, more than 100,000 nonprofit arts and culture organizations act
as economic drivers - creating an industry that supports jobs, generates
government revenue, and is the cornerstone of our tourism industry. A key role
is played by the nonprofit arts and culture industry, and their audiences, in
strengthening our nation’s economy.

6. POLITICAL
Artists like Abueva are integral members of the society; their work often
expresses not just creativity but also political and societal views.

7. AESTHETIC
Bohol is also called the heart of the islands, famous for its tourist
attractions like the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier sanctuaries and the pristine
beaches of Panglao and Anda. Bohol is also known for the warmth and
hospitality of its people and the delicious foods and delicacies. Art works of a
National Artist like Abueva would be a big additional to the beauty of the place
and could help Bohol’s booming economy and tourism industry.