Dr. Abdulmari Imao

Abdulmari Asia Imao was born in 1936 and raised in Sulu, a province located in the southernmost tip of the Philippines. Fenced by the Sulu Sea in the north and the Celebes Sea in the south, his island upbringing and proudly Muslim background combine and reveal themselves in his works through his animated use of folk imagery. But his contribution to the growth of Philippine art spans beyond the wider use of Islamic motifs, especially after being the first person from the Bangsamoro region to be conferred the title of National Artist for Sculpture. Although Abdulmari Imao has a large body of work, there is no single piece that is generally regarded as the most significant. He is mainly known for his series and his large-scale public installations. The Sarimanok series, especially his large-scale sculptures of this traditional Maranao symbol, is frequently mentioned as a key feature of his career, and notable examples of it can often be found in public spaces, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The art of Abdulmari Imao is rooted in the art traditions of the Moslem Filipino people of Mindanao and Sulu particularly those from the Tausug and Maranao. His art provides us with traditional design details like ukkil, sarimanok, and naga which reflect how the Muslims identify with, and practice their art heritage. At the same time, Imao has produced innovative work by blending tradition with more modern artistic paradigms. His work has helped to promote and disseminate traditions of Mindanao art without losing touch with history.