Fil Delacruz’s artistic odyssey charted at Muntinlupa exhibit
Acclaimed artist Fil Delacruz charts a profound artistic journey in his latest exhibit, “Tinahak,” currently on view at Museo ng Muntinlupa. The exhibit, whose title translates to “The Path Taken,” showcases Delacruz’s masterful exploration of themes deeply rooted in identity, history, and the natural world, rendered through his signature techniques in painting and printmaking.
The exhibit at Muntinlupa, where the Bulacan-born Delacruz and his family have resided for some decades now, is a retrospective of his artistic evolution across 55 years of art-making, featuring a collection of works that highlight his intricate compositions, rich textures, and powerful iconography. Drawing from his deep affinity for Philippine indigenous cultures and environmental consciousness, Delacruz continues to push the boundaries of contemporary visual storytelling.
A multiawarded painter and printmaker, Filemon Perez Delacruz has long been recognized for his versatility in various mediums. From his early years as an art student at the University of Santo Tomas to his formative period in Sultan Kudarat, where he immersed himself in the culture of the B’laan people, his artistic journey has been one of continuous growth and reinvention. His experiences with indigenous communities shaped much of his visual narrative, emphasizing the spiritual connection between humanity and nature.
Signature themes
In “Tinahak,” curated by the artist’s son Janos Delacruz, along with artist-critic Carla Gamalinda and Sarah Bendaña, acting head of the Museo ng Muntinlupa, viewers encounter Delacruz’s signature themes—the ethereal diwata (spirit women), masked figures symbolizing duality, and the vibrant interplay of human and ecological elements. His compositions evoke a sense of timelessness, merging tradition with contemporary concerns.
The exhibit also includes large-scale paintings and finely detailed prints that showcase his mastery of color, line, and form.
Included in the exhibit are Delacruz’s prize-winning print works: the bravura mezzotints “Transmogrification” and “Goddess of the South,” which won the grand prize in the 1982 and 1983 AAP (Art Association of the Philippines) Annual Art Competition, respectively. In 1998, during the Centennial of Philippine Independence, he won again the grand prize in the Diwa ng Sining competition of the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) Biennial for his impressive lithograph, “Kalayaan 1898-1998.”
Included as well in the exhibit are the first prints exploring “Diwata,” including one that pits his muse with Mona Lisa, the splendid lithograph, “Diwata and La Gioconda.”
Watershed moment
Delacruz’s artistic career spans decades, earning him numerous accolades, including the Thirteen Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He has represented the country in international exhibitions and biennales, further cementing his status as one of the Philippines’ most important visual artists. His works are housed in major collections both locally and abroad, a testament to his enduring impact on the art scene.
The guests present during the exhibit opening should indicate that “Tinahak” is a watershed in Delacruz’s career: National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario; glass sculptor and master of lux Ramon Orlina; sculptor Junyee, father of installation art; Councilor Raul Corro, majority floor leader of the Muntinlupa City Council; and Marie Pe, president of the UST Atelier Alumni Association.
Through “Tinahak,” Delacruz not only shares the paths he has taken but also invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys, their relationship with nature, and the cultural narratives that shape their identities. Museo ng Muntinlupa provides an ideal space for this exploration, allowing audiences to engage deeply with the themes and artistic expressions that define Delacruz’s work.
Running up to the end of March, “Tinahak” offers art enthusiasts and the public a rare opportunity to experience the latest chapter in Fil Delacruz’s ongoing artistic odyssey.
