THOMASIAN CUBIST Angelito “Mang Lito” Antonio, one of the Filipino artists who pioneered modern art in the country, has passed away at the age of 86.
Antonio died on Thursday, Sept. 24, following an accidental fall and complications attributed to pneumonia, his daughter Fatima Baquiran confirmed to The Flame.
“Throughout his artistic journey, our dad dedicated his life to giving voice and color to the Filipino spirit. His works—marked by their lyricism, bold lines, and vivid depictions of everyday life—have inspired generations of artists, students, and admirers here and abroad,” Baquiran said.
“More than his achievements and recognition, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, discipline, and unwavering passion for the arts.”
Antonio obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1963 at the University, where he studied under virtuosos like National Artist for Painting Vicente Manansala, National Artist for Visual Arts Ang Kiukok and former curator for the Presidential Museum Galo Ocampo. All three were widely known for abstractionism and expressionism.
Immediately after graduating, Antonio joined the ranks of his mentors and taught at the UST College of Fine Arts and Design from 1963 to 1979.
Antonio was best known for cubism, a style characterized by bold colors, angular forms, and figurative distortions. Many of his works portrayed scenes and elements of Philippine folk life including vendors, families, and everyday gatherings, infused with both modernist and expressionist energy.
Across more than five decades, his art earned him recognition in both local and international exhibitions. He reaped more than 20 awards, notably the grand prize of the AAP Annual Art Competition in 1964, third prize in 1963, and second prize at the Shell Art Awards in 1962.
His piece, Black Nazarene (2013), a 4 x 8 ft black and white oil on canvas, depicting an abstract representation of Filipino devotion, was presented at Hulot Gallery in 2024 at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art.
Antonio is survived by his wife, Norma Belleza, and his children Marcel, Emil and Fatima, all painters. His wake will take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the St. Peter Chapels along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. A mass celebrating his life will be held on Oct. 2 before his cremation on the same day.
“We celebrate his life and his art, knowing that his vision and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched,” Baquiran said. F
