Gentle painter of anger and violence

At Malacañang’s grand Ceremonial Hall, the remarkable career of Chinoy artist Ang Kiukok (1931-2005) was recounted before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and leading lights of Philippine culture and the arts. The President rose and, to resounding applause, bestowed the Order of National Artist on the painter. The assembly then settled down to hear words of wisdom, of inspiration, from the honoree, who is an embodiment of the nation’s highest ideals in the humanities and artistic expression. THE WORLD OF ANG KIUKOK Clockwise from top right: Self-Portrait (2000); Tinapá (1964); Cockfight (1967); and Horse (1998) In expectant silence, everyone waited … and waited … and waited … until at last, the awardee muttered, “Thank you” and sat down. His world of admirers was not surprised. They knew that the gentle Ang Kiukok preferred his works to speak for themselves, even as his charm and dry humor revealed themselves in congenial company. Ordinary [...]