Guillermo E. Tolentino

            The National Artist Awards for Sculpture in 1973 were represented by Guillermo Estrella Tolentino (1890-1976). He is known as the "Father of Philippine Arts" for his monumental works such as the "Bonifacio Monument," which stands at the crossroads of EDSA and Rizal Avenues and symbolizes academic independence, and "The Oblation," which is housed at the University of the Philippines.

            Guillermo Tolentino was born in the city of Malolos in the province of Bulacan. He studied painting at the University of the Philippines' School of Fine Arts under Vicente Rivera and then sculpting under Vicente Francisco. He got more interested in sculpting than painting as time went on. In 1915, he earned a bachelor's degree in painting and sculpting, with honors in all areas.

            By 1919, he had made the decision to relocate to America and work as a waiter. Bernard Baruch was impressed with his little statue "Freedom" and awarded him a scholarship at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Because of this tiny monument, he was able to visit and speak with President Wilson at the White House. Guillermo Tolentino studied at Regge Instituto Superiore di Belle Arti di Roma in Rome after graduating with honors from Ecole de Beux Arts. During his visit, he produced the Saluto Romano, for which he received second place. In 1923, he received the highest prize and presented a one-man show in Rome.

            Guillermo Tolentino returned to Manila in 1923 and established his own studio. In 1926, he was hired as a sculpting lecturer at the University of the Philippines' School of Fine Arts. In 1930, he was awarded the design and commissioning of "The Bonifacio Monument," which he completed in 1933. The "Oblation" and the "Bonifacio Monument" were both completed at the same time. The "Oblation" was then commissioned by UP President Rafael Palma in UP Manila and afterwards transferred to UP Diliman. He was made Director of the School of Fine Arts later in his career, and after his departure in 1955, he was titled Professor Emeritus. He also received the Philippine Institute of Architecs' Sculptor of the Year award. He also received the Philippine Institute of Architecs' Sculptor of the Year award. UNESCO Cultural Award in Sculpture in 1959, Araw ng Maynila Award in Sculpture in 1963, Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1967, President's Medal of Merit in 1973, Diwa ng Lahi Award in 1972, and National Artist Award in 1973 were among the prizes and distinctions he got.

            Tolentino's other works include bronze statues of President Quezon at the Quezon Memorial, life-size busts of Jose Rizal at UP and UE, a marble statue of Ramon Magsaysay in the GSIS Building, bronze medals for the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Republic of the Philippines seal, Venus, Alma Mater statue of the University of the East, and Filipinas in Bondage.

            Portrait sculpture, commemorative, and public art are some of Guillermo Tolentino's most well-known works. His artworks are created in a realistic way since they show individuals and have a tactile texture that allows you to touch and feel the bronze-like skin.

 

Venus (1951)

Medal for Ramon Magsaysay Award (1957)

UP Oblacion (1935)

Bonifacio Monument (1933)

Reference: 
http://noypicollections.blogspot.com/2011/07/life-and-works-of-guillermo-tolentino.html

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