Ricarte Puruganan

(1912-1998)

One of the Thirteen Moderns

Born Nov. 20, 1912, Ricarte Puruganan received a diploma in painting at the University of the Philippines school of fine arts.

He later helped found the University of Sto. Tomas fine arts school together with Carlos "Botong" Francisco, Severino Fabie and Galo Ocampo.

Puruganan is acknowledged as one of the Thirteen Moderns, an artists group that broke away from the Conservatives, led by Fernando Amorsolo. The group ushered in a new era in Philippine art.

In 1935, he won the first prize at the national landscape painting competition, besting rivals Anita MagsaysayHo and Vicente Manansala, who won second and third prizes, respectively.

In 1937, he won second prize, "Inauguration of the Philippine Commonwealth," in an open historical painting contest.

In 1944, his two works were adjudged first and second prizes in the First National Contest in Escolta, Manila, under the auspices of the Japanese-sponsored Philippine government.

In 1944, his two works, "Mass Burial of Heroes at Capas" and "Railroad Scene" were among the finalists for the 2nd National Art Contest but were disqualified for their anti-Japanese sentiments.

His first solo show, in 1936, was opened by First Lady Aurora Quezon, who was with President Quezon and personally had three paintings reserved for Malacanang.

From 1937 to the 1950s, he held various one-man shows in Manila, Laoag and Iloilo City.

In 1950, he felt discriminated by the new administration of the UST School of Fine Arts. He packed his oils and brushes and relocated his family to Ilocos Norte.

It was during this stint that he pursued his other passion...sculpture, architecture and landscaping. There, he helped design and build government edifices, parks and plazas in various towns and municipalities of the Ilocos region.

He returned to Manila's art scene in 1974, and had several exhibitions. He was appointed chairman of the National Museum panel authentication board.

He was honored by the government when four of his works  "Kakawate," "Village Crier," "Two Leaders" and "Black Nazarene at Quiapo"  were chosen to hang at the Hall of Filipino Masters at the National Museum.

A consistent nominee for National Artist, Puruganan has been bypassed since 1988 when his name was shortlisted. The highest recognition continues to elude him.

His youngest son, Jude, is presently preparing a posthumous tribute to the artist by way of an exhibit.

In fusing indigenous designs with contemporary themes, integrating folk art and Western art, Puruganan created a synthesis of art that is responsive and vibrant.

Kulay-Diwa Gallery of Philippine Contemporary Art is a privately owned venue for artistic expression. It is strategically located within a cluster of progressive communities South of Manila. It has an independent exhibition area able to accommodate large-scale works, and a spacious garden ideal for outdoor programs, performances and sculpture installations.

Goals of Kulay-Diwa

To discover and promote the works of talented, young and deserving Filipino Artist;

To serve as a cultural outpost and make the arts more accessible to the fast-growing communities South of Manila; and

To foster cultural interaction and exchanges with the local regions and other countries.

Kulay(Color)

Diwa(Spirit, Thought)





he images below are examples of the artist’s works and are not necessarily available.

Ricarte Puruganan

Ricarte Puruganan

Ricarte Puruganan

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