State necrological service for National Artist Abdulmari Imao held at CCP

Beneath hundreds of sarimanok cascading from the ceiling of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Main Theater, the remains of sculptor and painter Abdulmari Asia Imao lay in state Sunday for the traditional state necrological service and tributes accorded to the country's National Artists.

Imao, who died on December 16, would have turned 79 on January 14.

Then-President Gloria M. Arroyo conferred the title of National Artist for Visual Arts on Imao on June 9, 2006, calling him an articulator of Philippine Muslim art and culture and a versatile and prolific Muslim-Filipino artist.

After the understatedly elegant but colorful rites, marked by Muslim accents and performances at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Imao was interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at noon.

First Muslim National Artist

During the Pagdadalamhati ng Bayan at CCP, Imaos eldest son Toym de Leon Imao said his father was "a messenger of change."

His recognition as the first Moro national artist acknowledges not only his body of work, but also the idea that art is a significant and necessary component in the quest to bring understanding and lasting peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters, Toym said.

What my father has set out to accomplish, wehis family, my brothers, grandchildren, and many artists from Mindanao whom he had profoundly inspiredhope to achieve. My fathers visual journey about a land that is blessed in diversity and richness like the colors of the rainbow, like the wings of the sarimanok, will continue, he added.

Among those who delivered eulogies was Sen. Grace Poe, a family friend of the Imaos and a collector of the paintings by the late national artist.

The walls of my house are adorned with paintings by Mr. Imao. It brings so much joy and happiness to my children whenever they look at the colorful creations of Mr. Imao, she said.

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State necrological service for National Artist Abdulmari Imao held at CCP