Straight from the Heart

Its great honor for recognition of Muslim National Artist’s works in D.C.

Abs Damahan

It’s a great honor for the first Filipino-Muslim National Artist is now on display at the Philippines Embassy in D.C.

Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, the Department of foreign Affairs said Abdulmari Imao’s works are on display from May 26 to 31.

Imao, the National Artist for Sculpture, and his dentist-painter son Jose Mari Imao are holding exhibition entitled “Henerasyon: Two Generations of Imao Art.”

An article on the DFA website http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/news-from-rp-embassy/1229-works-of-first-filipino-muslim-national-artist-forsculpture-feature-at-rp-embassy-exhibit said highlights sculptures and paintings that have defined the legacy of the Imao family of artists.

“Through the elder Imao’s works, the indigenous ukkil, sarimanok and naga motifs have been popularized and instilled in the Filipinos’s consciousness,” it said.

Abdulmari, the first Filipino-Muslim to be named as National Artist, also does large sculptures and monuments of Muslim and regional heroes.

His son Jose Mari has likewise gained attention as muralist and a portrait artist. Source: GMA News.TV

Muslim minority should always have place in public policy of this nation not only in Arts, but in many areas of collaborative works for excellence that will contributes for better Philippines. Stereo type of branding minority for exclusiveness will surely creates division for Pinoy rights to explore hidden talent and skills.

Imao’s skill is an exceptional one can be hardly duplicated by another Muslim’s talent in the category of Artist’s works. Giving chance in other field, I am sure many Muslims have a common acumen and expertise can be tapped to help and contribute the National policy planners for the best interest of the republic. But because of the policy of neglecting and isolation of Muslims minority are remain in deep trouble towards meaningful cooperation for the National policy maker of our republic.

Branded of wrong treatment and bad connotations of Muslim names in whole and in large scale attributes, it really hurt the good and best one who is potentially better than Imao’s creativity need for mutual respects by the society.

With condor as Muslim minority we appreciated to the National Artist’s organization for the recognition and honor of Imao’s works.

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