National Museum showcasing works of history’s forgotten sculptor, Isabelo Tampinco

Philippine art and culture is apparently far richer than anyone may have thought. On August 22, a tribute was given to master sculptor Isabelo Tampinco during an event held by the Vibal Foundation at the National Museum.

Dr. Santiago Albano Pilar, an art history professor at the University of the Philippines' College of Fine Arts, spent 10 years researching the forgotten sculptor.

“There is a need to revisit our past, to know our cultural heritage…this is very important in order for us to develop a national identity,” the author explained. Alongside a documentary, his book “The Life and Art of Isabelo Tampinco,” details his findings.


Isabelo Tampinco, born in the year 1850 in Binondo, was a sculptor who greatly contributed to Philippine art and culture and was promptly forgotten by history through unfortunate circumstances. Manila Cathedral’s facade, the intricate design on the door of Santo Domingo’s Church, and the altar at the Laoag Cathedral are only few of his masterpieces. Sadly, most of his works were destroyed during World War II.

Selected pieces of what remains of his work are currently on display at the National Museum’s Fundacion Santiago Hall.

Dr. Pilar commented that Isabelo Tampinco was the “Juan Luna of Sculpture.” Pilar also emphasized the importance of the hundred other artists of that time period, saying that awareness of those artists will prove that the Filipino’s cultural heritage is rich.

“There should be a book about all of them,” he stated.


Tampinco’s gift to Filipinos

Isabelo Tampinco’s patterns are oriental, native, and distinctly Filipino. He incorporated baroque ornamentation in his works, transforming them into patterns Pinoys can appreciate.

“He created a style that is baroque, but baroque according to the way we understand it,” Pilar said.


This is perhaps the main reason Tampinco is being brought back into the limelight. The master sculptor did not merely contribute to the growth of Filipino culture—he also strove to give his countrymen an identity. However, somewhere in the midst of destruction and the development of modern trends, he was left behind.

By rediscovering Isabelo Tampinco, Filipinos will be able to revisit years of overlooked history and hundreds of forgotten artists. Visitors will be reclaiming a part of themselves they did not know was lost. — VC, GMA News



“The Life and Art of Isabelo Tampinco” will be available at National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Powerbooks, and other major bookstores nationwide.

The Fundacion Santiago Hall at the National Art Gallery is open for public viewing and is located at Padre Burgos Drive, Rizal Park. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays to Sundays.