Juvenal Sansó (1925–2021) was a painter, printmaker, and photography artist, celebrated for his lyrical depictions of nature and his mastery of both abstraction and figuration. Born in Reus, Spain, Sansó moved to Manila as a child and became one of the most internationally recognized Filipino artists of the 20th century.
He studied at the University of the Philippines under Fernando Amorsolo, later continuing at the University of Santo Tomas and the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1951, he won First Prize in both oil and watercolor competitions at the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP). His first local one‑man show was held at the Philippine Art Gallery (PAG) in 1957.
Sansó’s early works were grotesque and surreal, reflecting the trauma of World War II. He later became best known for his looming seascapes of Parañaque and Manila, where biomorphous forms are laid out like piles of lonely derelicts, rendered with finest calligraphic strokes and splashes of transparent color. His art evolved into vibrant gardens, floral compositions, and fantastical landscapes that conveyed serenity and resilience.
He held numerous exhibitions in Manila, Paris, New York, and other cultural centers, with works entering major collections such as the Philippine Center New York, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Louvre Museum.
