Romulo Olazo was born in 1934 in Balayan, Batangas, Philippines. After his father passed away when he was four, his mother raised him. Later, in 1951, he moved to Manila to find work and pursue new opportunities.
By 1959, he enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas in the Department of Fine Arts. At that time, the university served as a center for the modernist movement. There, he trained under Victorio Edades and Diosdado Lorenzo. In addition, he studied alongside emerging artists such as Ang Kiukok, Elizabeth Cheng, and Ong Bungian.
Early Career and Advertising Work
After finishing his studies, Olazo entered the advertising industry. However, he continued painting and printmaking at the same time. Because of his dedication, he joined exhibitions organized by the Art Association of the Philippines and other galleries.
During the day, he worked as an illustrator for Oriental Komiks and Tagalog Klasiks. Later on, he became art director for the Philippine Advertising Counselors. Meanwhile, he spent his evenings creating paintings and prints, further developing his style.
Personal Life and Artistic Development
While working as an art director, he met Patricia Tria, whom he married in 1966. Over the years, he credited much of his success to her support. Together, they raised three children: Noelle, Jill, and Jonathan.
In the 1970s, his focus shifted entirely to printmaking. As a result, he began receiving awards and recognition. In 1972, the Cultural Center of the Philippines named him one of the Thirteen Artists.
At the same time, he built his own studio at home called “101 Workshop.” There, he welcomed fellow artists such as Roberto Chabet and Fernando Modesto. Because of this, the space became a hub for collaboration and creativity.
International Recognition and Major Works
In 1973, Olazo participated in the XII Biennial in São Paulo, Brazil. During this event, he exhibited his Diaphanous series. This collection featured transparent layers and soft color interactions. As a result, it gained strong recognition in the art world.
Later, in 1979, he received an honorable mention at the 11th Biennial of Prints in Tokyo. His Permutation series introduced an x-ray-like visual effect. Moreover, it continued his exploration of lightness and monochromatic tones.
Artistic Influence and Exhibitions
Olazo’s abstract and non-objective works helped shape the second generation of modernist art in the Philippines. Because of this influence, galleries such as Luz Gallery and Finale Art File frequently showcased his work.
In 1981, critics named him one of the Philippines’ “Five Outstanding Living Artists.” Consequently, he stood alongside Napoleon Abueva, Arturo Luz, Cesar Legaspi, and Ang Kiukok.
By 1983, he joined the exhibition Four Masters: Four Worlds at Sunvar Plaza in Makati. The show included Ang Kiukok, Cesar Legaspi, and Malang. Due to its success, it continued as an annual exhibition for ten years.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite facing health challenges later in life, Olazo continued creating art. Even with a pacemaker and limited mobility, he remained active in his practice. In the 2000s, he produced some of his largest Diaphanous works using silkscreen and paint.
In 2009, Ayala Museum and Paseo Gallery presented a retrospective of his work. This exhibition highlighted over 40 years of his artistic journey.
By 2012, Bluewater Gallery in Mactan, Cebu, hosted his 40th solo exhibition titled Diaphanous by the Sea. This collection reflected ocean-inspired themes and memories of his childhood.
In addition to his own success, he took pride in his son Jonathan, who followed his path in the arts. Jonathan later became curator of the ManilArt Fair and received the Thirteen Artists Award.
On August 18, 2015, Romulo Olazo passed away at the age of 81. Nevertheless, he left behind a powerful legacy. His work continues to inspire future generations. Through his imagination and dedication, he helped redefine printmaking in the Philippines.
