Onib Olmedo (July 7, 1937 – September 8, 1996) was a Filipino painter acclaimed by critics as one of the major Filipino artists of the 20th century. Olmedo created a body of works that utilizes the expressionist technique of distortion to portray the inner torment experienced by modern man.

His paintings are characterized by an implosive impact but have an uplifting and ennobling quality, celebrating the triumph of the human spirit in the face of pain and anguish. At the same time, they are social commentaries with touches of wit and irony – reflections of the artist's quintessential, down-to-earth humor. The subjects of his paintings were the denizens of Sampaloc and Ermita, including musicians, prostitutes, vendors and waiters, as well as people from the upper strata like society matrons, corporate executives and ballerinas.

Olmedo died in 1996 when he was only 59 years old. His impact in the art scene continues to be felt on this day, as evidenced by a whole new generation of artists who are self-confessed Olmedo disciples, producing works inspired by their icon's distinctive style, and putting up exhibitions that have paid homage to their late master.

Career

1959–1961 Architect, Pablo Antonio & Associates

1961–1963 Architect, Pacific Merchandising Co.

1963–1968 Architect, Private practice

1959–1996 Weekend Job - Racing Judge and Steward, Manila Jockey Club

1969–1996 Full-time Artist

Awards

Exhibitions

• 1970 Group Show, Solidaridad Galleries, Manila
• 1971 "Singkong Suka", Solidaridad Galleries, Manila
• 1975 Gallery Bleue, Manila
• 1976 "Beinteng Suka", Galleria Duemila, Manila
• 1978 Heritage Art Center, Manila
• 1979 Competition of Painters, Cagnes Sur-Mer, France
• 1982 Competition of Painters, France-Netherlands-Germany
• 1982 Philam Life Art Hall, Manila
• 1982 Little Gallery, Manila
• 1983 Cayman Galleries, New York, USA
• 1984 Two-Man Show, Gallery Frames
• 1988 Crane Collection Galleries, Florida, USA
• 1988 International Art Competition, Baghdad, Iraq
• 1989 Philippine Center, Fifth Avenue, New York, USA
• 1990 "Three Filipino Figurative Expressionist - Kiukik, Olmedo and Saprid", CCP, Manila
• 1991 Hotel Intercontinental Manila
• 1992 Competition of Painters, Cagnes Sur-Mer, France
• 1993 CAPP Art Gallery, Cebu City
• 1993 Finale Gallery Manila
• 1993 Pacific Star Hotel, Guam, USA
• 1994 Hiraya Gallery, Manila
• 1995 Philippine Embassy, Frankfurt, Germany
• 1996 Philippine Embassy, Vienna, Austria

Retrospective shows

2007

• "Dimensions of Depth", Cultural Center of the Philippines

2010

• "In My Life Soul Portraits by Onib Olmedo", Ayala Museum

Posthumous shows

1998

• Ermita: Soul Portraits by Onib Olmedo, Galleria Duemila

2002

• Quintessential Onib, Galleria Duemila

2003

• Homage to Onib Olmedo, Gallery Joaquin
• A Tribute to Onib Olmedo, Ateneo Professional School

2007

• My Friend, Onib Olmedo, Galleria Duemila, Metropolitan Museum, Manila
• The Women of Onib, Gallery Nine, Art Walk Megamall, Mandaluyong

2012

• Celebrating 75 Years of Onib, Charlie's Art Gallery, Bacolod

2014

• Onib Olmedo, a Commemorative Exhibit, Galeria Lienzo, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

2016

• Onib in 3D, Secret Fresh Gallery, Makati

2017

• Red Vienna, Manila House, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

2020

• Onib Olmedo: The Triumph of Everyman, Art Fair Philippines’ Special Exhibition, Makati

Organization affiliations

Saturday Group of Artists (1969 - 1996) 1994 - President, Saturday Group

References