Book launch reaffirms Onib Olmedo's major role in the history of Philippine art

The recent formal launch of the book on Onib Olmedo titled Dimensions of Depth by Alice Guillermo served to reaffirm the significant role played by Onib Olmedo in the history of Philippine art.

The launch was emceed by the late artist’s eldest daughter, Gisella Olmedo-Araneta. It formally opened with an invocation delivered by Dr. Francesca Olmedo-Arias, the artist’s younger daughter.

The launch featured speeches by a power panel of luminaries from art, culture, literature and journalism. The first speaker was National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose, who is credited for having “discovered” Onib Olmedo, giving him his first major break by mounting his very first exhibit as a professional artist in 1971 at the La Solidaridad Galleries. F. Sionil Jose said that he had been instantly impressed by Onib’s technical skills as a figurative expressionist as well as insightful characterizations of the common man, which enabled viewers to explore the innermost recesses of the human soul. He added that “Onib Olmedo is in the same league as the country’s greatest artists. Like Juan Luna, Onib may be considered a truly international as well as a genuinely Filipino artist. He combined an international vision and world-class skills, even while capturing the very essence of the Filipino spirit in his figurative expressionist paintings.” 

He capped his speech by declaring, “With the significant role that he played in the history of Philippine art, I believe that Onib Olmedo should be given the recognition that he so rightfully deserves by being conferred the title of National Artist for the Visual Arts.

The other speakers were Philippine STAR’s Barbara Gonzalez, Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Lito Zulueta, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility’s Vergel Santos, and University of the Philippines sociology professor Cynthia Bautista.

The book launch was highlighted by the recitation of Onib Olmedo’s famous limerick “The Saga of Mr. Sago,” by standup comedian Alex Calleja. It also featured the showing of an audio-visual presentation written by Bettina Olmedo, the artist’s widow, titled, “Onib Olmedo: a Major Figurative Expressionist of the 20th Century,” which described the artist’s life and his significant role in the history of Philippine art.