Orlando Castrillo is a Filipino painter and printmaker whose career reflects both lyrical imagination and social engagement. He studied Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas until 1965, where he developed his foundation in painting and printmaking.
Castrillo gained early recognition at the Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC), winning several awards including First Prizes in Graphic Arts for Himig sa Bukid and Hangal na Daigdig. These achievements established him as a promising young artist in the Philippine art scene.
In the 1970s, Castrillo pursued two distinct directions in his art. One was a series of romantic etchings depicting fairies, carnivals, folk dances, and genre scenes—works that celebrated imagination and cultural tradition. The other was a powerful series titled Kasalukuyan Walang Pamagat (Currently Untitled), which portrayed tortured martyrs of martial law and the struggles of peasants in the countryside, reflecting his deep concern for social justice.
Beyond his studio practice, Castrillo played a significant role in the art community. He served as President of the Philippine Association of Printmakers and was a founding leader of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, an organization committed to cultural activism during a turbulent period in the nation’s history.
