Pacita Abad, a renowned artist of the 20th century, was a master of multiple mediums - painting, printmaking, installation, and trapunto art. Her academic journey began at the University of the Philippines, where she earned both her AB and MA degrees. She further honed her skills at the prestigious Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C., and the Art Students League in New York City.
Abad’s work is a vibrant tapestry of color and texture, characterized by her unique primitivist style and a spirit of experimentation. Her early canvases were socio-political commentaries, offering a poignant depiction of life in third world countries.
Her artistry was not confined to a single place or medium. She traveled across five continents, creating oversized trapunto works - a traditional art of quilting. These pieces found homes in some of the world’s most esteemed museums and galleries, spanning over 80 countries.
Abad’s prolific career resulted in the creation of over 3,500 art pieces. Even while battling cancer, her passion for art remained undiminished. She painted a 55-meter-long bridge in Singapore, adorning it with 2,350 multicolored circles. She also held a solo exhibit of new works and hand-colored pressed paper pulp at the Main Gallery of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Her life and work have been the subject of numerous books, including “A Passion to Paint: The Colorful World of Pacita Abad” by Jack Garrity. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of art.
