National Artist Arturo Luz passes away at 94

National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz has passed away at the age of 94 on Wednesday, May 26.

His daughter, former actress Angela Luz, broke the sad news of his passing through a Facebook post.

National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz / Source: @angela.luz.739 (FB)

Angela wrote, “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my father, our beloved National Artist, Arturo Luz. He peacefully joined his Creator at 8:45 this evening, and I stood by his side as he took his last breath. We could not have asked for anything more.”

She then expressed gratitude over the long and fulfilling life his father has lived, and reminisced about how he was as an artist and a family man.

“God blessed my father with 94 of the most wonderful years on earth.

“He enriched our lives with his art, with his incredible talent and his genius.

“As a father and a grandfather, he was simply the best.

“He was the most kind and generous human being.

“And as a husband to my mother, he was perfect.

“He will be terribly missed, but will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on, and will last forever.”

Arturo Luz's granddaughter, Paulina Sotto-Llanes, who's also a visual artist, shared a lovely photo of them together and reflected on her relationship with her Lolo Arturo.

Paulina wrote, “I've always been a Lolo's girl. My Lolo was my second dad, and he spoiled me rotten.

“I'm not sure words can properly describe our relationship, but it was truly special.

“We had such a strong bond, which only grew stronger when I unexpectedly followed in his footsteps as an artist.

“So many memories I will forever cherish. So many lunches and dinners with him I wish I could go back to and relive.”

Paulina also looked back at the fondest memories she had with her Lolo Arturo.

“I will never get to go back to those days as a child when his bedroom was next to mine. When I would give him all my childish drawings and he would proudly put them on display.

“Imagine that--a National Artist whose studio wall was filled with random drawings and doodles by his young granddaughter.

“Those moments are now just memories, and it is devastating.

“But while the loss of a loved one is never easy, I find peace and happiness in knowing that I spent most of my life by his side.

“What a privilege it was to experience his love and generosity first hand.

“Believe it or not, I could just go into his studio at any time (which was always just down the hall from me) and if I showed interest in one of his paintings, he would simply say 'You like it? It's yours!'"

Paulina also remembered how supportive her Lolo Arturo was.

“He was always there for me. Every event, every milestone, every recital and graduation, he was there (usually with a snack).

“He never failed to make me feel his love and support, even in the smallest of ways.

“I only hope that he, in turn, knew how much he meant to me, how much he inspired me, and how much I loved him.”

Arturo Luz was a painter, sculptor, and designer. For more than four decades, he has produced masterpieces that according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, “exemplify an ideal of sublime austerity in expression and form” and “elevated Filipino aesthetic vision to new heights of sophisticated simplicity.”

Arturo Luz's 1960 Night Glows painting and the steel cube sculpture he designed for the Benguet Mining Corporation Building / Photos by: NCCA and Racquel Quieta

Among his significant artworks are his paintings "Bagong Taon," "Vendador de Flores," "Skipping Rope," "Candle Vendors," "Procession," "Self-Portrait," "Night Glows," "Grand Finale," "Cities of the Past," and "Imaginary Landscapes."

Some of his other notable works are the "Black and White" mural painting displayed at the lobby of the Cultural Center of Philippines' Bulwagang Carlos V. Francisco (Little Theater), and the stainless steel cube sculpture erected in front of the Benguet Mining Corporation Building in Mandaluyong City, now part of The Podium Mall.

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