Running from April 25 to September 7, 2025, Amorsolo: Chroma invites visitors of all ages to rediscover the genius behind Fernando Amorsolo’s iconic light-filled canvases — works that have shaped how Filipinos see themselves and their nation for nearly a century.
This landmark exhibit offers more than just a visual retrospective of Amorsolo’s beloved rural scenes and sun-drenched landscapes. It’s also Ayala Museum’s first major exhibition designed with interactivity and accessibility at its core, marking a shift in how Philippine art is being curated for modern audiences.
A National Artist in a new light
Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto (1892–1972) is widely revered for his idyllic portrayals of Philippine life. Often dubbed the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Painting,” he painted scenes of farmers, fisherfolk, festivals, and historical events — images that came to define the visual identity of a young Filipino nation. But Amorsolo: Chroma seeks to move beyond the conventional adoration.
By placing Amorsolo’s works in conversation with those of his contemporaries, the exhibition explores the cultural, social, and political context that shaped his artistry—and that his art, in turn, helped shape. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on how Amorsolo’s aesthetics of beauty, light, and Filipino idealism interact with modern perspectives.
“Scholars and art enthusiasts have talked about the importance of light and color in Amorsolo’s body of work for decades,” says exhibition curator, Tenten Mina. “But we also have to ask what this means to today’s audience, in the age of hypermedia and filters.”
Mina adds, “We also wanted the exhibition to spark discussions. What happens when we view his works alongside those of his contemporaries? How did his particular use of light and color come to define a national aesthetic? And is it a shared experience?”
Interactive and inclusive: Art for all senses
The centerpiece of Amorsolo: Chroma is its commitment to accessibility and engagement. Alongside traditional paintings, the exhibition includes interactive paint-by-number walls, color theory learning stations, and a “Light Room” that unpacks the science and symbolism of light in both art and technology.
A first for Philippine museums, Chroma also introduces EnChroma Color Blind Glasses— special eyewear designed for visitors with color vision deficiency (CVD), a condition affecting nearly 5 percent of Filipinos.
The initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also echoes a poignant aspect of Amorsolo’s own life: toward the end of his career, his eyesight deteriorated due to health reasons, leading to an operation in 1969.
By making his vibrant palette more accessible to those with visual limitations, the exhibit deepens the connection between artist and audience — ensuring that more people can experience the full richness of Amorsolo’s celebrated use of color.
“We want as many people as possible to enjoy Amorsolo’s work, hence the push for interactive and inclusive displays,” says Aprille P. Tijam, associate director of Ayala Museum. “Because it’s been 10 years since the last Amorsolo exhibition, we’re very excited for both longtime fans and first-time visitors to experience the art of this beloved master.”
The museum also hopes that these efforts will inspire deeper reflection not just on art appreciation but also on who gets to access and interpret Philippine cultural heritage.
Art, identity, and ongoing conversations
Amorsolo: Chroma invites Filipinos to see beyond the nostalgia of familiar images. It challenges viewers to think critically about the values, ideals, and tensions embedded in national imagery. Through the lens of color—both literal and symbolic—the exhibit asks: What does it mean to be Filipino today, and how do we see ourselves through the art of yesterday?
Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino emphasizes that the exhibit is more than just a tribute. “Chroma helps us remember how Amorsolo profoundly influenced debates on how we saw ourselves as a Filipino nation. But it also asks — can new generations still connect with the aesthetic and whatever questions his images evoke?”
“Through this exhibit, we hope more people will be inspired to reflect on what it means to be Filipino in today’s context,” Lambino adds. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Amorsolo: Chroma runs from April 25 to September 7, 2025, Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Ayala Museum in Makati. The exhibit is made possible through the support of BPI and Boysen. Visitors may book tickets in advance at ayalamuseum.org/visit, though walk-ins are welcome.
