MANILA, Philippines - He portrayed the best in simple folk, brought out the rich vibrant colors, and variety of the Philippine landscape — in oil, pastel, tempera, and watercolor — with abandon. He also etched in metal, painted and carved in ivory.
Popularly known as the “other rebel in Philippine art,” Maestro Diosdado Magno Lorenzo dared to be different. His artistic versatility was demonstrated in his largest painting — the Ildefonso family portrait (60”x52” — 1936) — to the miniature tempera on ivory of Lina Lorenzo and son Emilio (4cmx4cm — 1934).
The Philippine-Italian Association and the Tantoco-Rustia Foundation will launch “Art Rebel to Legend,” a comprehensive collection of the life and works of Lorenzo, on March 31 at the National Museum.
Written by Alice Guillermo, the book, which features over 200 of Lorenzo’s works, is the first book of its kind since no background materials were ever available anywhere.
The book and a special video will be available during the launch. Select works of Lorenzo will also be on exhibit.
The maestro was a simple man. His only inspiration in life was Signorina Lina Paolini Lorenzo, a true Roman, and an accomplished pianist.
Diosdado and Lina got married in Rome on Feb. 19, 1933. Incidentally, the Philippine-Italian Association was founded on the same date (Feb. 19, 1962) 29 years later.
Lina was the only secretary-general of the association since its inception.
At 95, Lina still wants to be responsible for keeping the association alive. She keeps regular office hours four days a week, and speaks impeccable Tagalog.