Antonio Austria, the Filipino Master of Modern and Contemporary Art, passed away at the age of 87. Known for his profound and visionary creations, Austria left an indelible mark on the world of Philippine art. Born in 1936, his artistic journey spanned decades, captivating audiences with his unique style that captured the cultural heartbeat of the country. On June 27, 2023, Austria bid farewell, but his artistic contributions and legacy live on.
Early in his life, Antonio Austria showed a passion for art. Born in Shanghai in 1936, he returned to the Philippines with his family during the Sino-Japanese War. His family had a strong artistic lineage, with his great-grandfather being a renowned brass band conductor mentioned in Jose Rizal’s novel “Noli Me Tangere”.
Austria’s artistic skills were refined during his time at the University of Santo Tomas, where he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1956. Under the guidance of modernist mentors like Diosdado Lorenzo, Galo Ocampo, and Vicente Manansala, he honed his craft.
Although Austria initially worked as a textile designer at Universal Textile Mills after graduation, his passion for painting eventually led him back to his alma mater as an art instructor. He dedicated 27 years to teaching at the University of Sto. Tomas, nurturing the creative talents of aspiring artists. However, his desire to fully immerse himself in his own art prompted him to become a full-time artist.
Austria’s career thrived, with his artworks being recognized both locally and internationally. His winning piece, “Magpapalayok” (Clay Pot Vendor), from the 1959 annual Art Association of the Philippines competition, opened doors for him. From 1962 to 1982, his paintings were showcased in exhibitions in Australia, New York, Japan, and Manila. Notable accolades include the first-ever Thirteen Artists Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1970, the Outstanding Thomasian Alumni award, and the City of Manila’s “Parangal Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan sa Larangan ng Pagpipinta” in 2002. In 2016, he held a highly regarded retrospective exhibition, “6 Decades of A. G. Austria,” at the CCP.
Austria’s artworks were characterized by vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and a harmonious balance between abstraction and realism. From depictions of everyday Philippine scenes to still-life compositions, his unconventional framing and perspective challenged artistic conventions. His art explored themes of cultural identity, heritage, and societal narratives, often charming viewers with unpretentious figuration.
Today, Austria’s legacy lives on through his artworks displayed in museums and private collections. He leaves behind his wife, Tarcila Patacsil Estepa-Austria, and their two children, Paolo Caesar and Thea Maria. Remembered as a generous mentor and teacher, his vision and spirit continue to inspire in the realm of art and beyond.
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