Born on January 14, 1936 in Siasi, Sulu, Dr. Abdulmari Asia Imao was a painter, sculptor, filmmaker, and writer known for his brass and metalwork which featured intricate and culturally significant pieces that reflected the rich heritage of Southern Philippines, particularly Muslim culture. His interest in art began at an early age, drawing designs on dapdap and banana leaves that resembled traditional Filipino Muslim motifs of ukkil, naga, and pako rabong.

Imao studied sculpture at the University of the Philippines’ School of Fine Arts, where he was mentored by National Artists Guillermo Tolentino and Napoleon Abueva. After graduating in 1959, he pursued further studies at the University of Kansas (1960-1961) as a Smith-Mundt and Fulbright scholar, a fellowship at the Rhode Island School of Design (1961-1962), and another scholarship at Columbia University (1962-1963). Most notably, Imao was also the first Asian recipient of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Travel Grant to Scandinavian countries, conferred by MoMA director Rene d’Harnoncourt in 1963.

Upon returning to the Philippines in 1964, Imao taught fine arts at the University of the East. He also encouraged the use of indigenous brass casting techniques which led to his many public art and historical installations that can be found all over the country.

Imao was a recipient multiple awards, such as the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) (1968), Gawad Patnubay ng Sining by the City of Manila (1985), Gawad CCP Para sa Sining (1990), Presidential Medal of Merit (2005), and was conferred the National Artist Award for Visual Arts (2006).

Imao passed away on December 16, 2014 at the age of 78.

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