Al Perez, ‘father of heritage art’
ALFREDO “Al” Santos Perez, a visual artist from the University of Santo Tomas, passed away at the age of 76 on February 28 after suffering from cardiac arrest.
Perez was known for his paintings and sculptures of heritage churches in the Philippines, which he primarily created using watercolor.
Perez believed in constant development and has been adapting to the fast-changing art scene. He applied his old subject into an experimental form, creating a contemporary style that makes him an innovator, modernist, and an art sire. He was a friend to several Filipino masters, including Hernando Ocampo, Vicente Manansala, Jose Joya, and many more. Indeed, Perez aligned with the best in the local art arena, a legend, and a treasure of this generation.
According to his daughter Christina, Perez worked hard to support his family and even his siblings with his incredible talent. He left a remarkable legacy with his paintings of Philippine churches that reflected the Filipino people’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Perez graduated from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) in 1968 with a degree in advertising arts. He honed his skills at the University and mastered painting essential places of worship in the Philippines, such as Barasoain Church in Bulacan, Quiapo Church in Manila, and Miag-ao Church in Iloilo.
He used watercolor to create these paintings, which helped to raise awareness of and conserve many heritage places of worship through his art.
Eleazar Abraham “Abe” Orobia, public relations officer of the UST Atelier Alumni Association, Inc., said Perez contributed to the better appreciation of historical sites and houses of worship. He documented old and original features of the structures that are already lost or will be lost shortly.
Assistant professor Mary Ann Bulanadi, a faculty member of the College of Fine Arts and Design, remembered Perez as a supportive figure in the art community. He was active in the national and Bulacan art scene.
Perez was born on March 30, 1947, in Hagonoy, Bulacan. His passion for heritage churches can be traced back to when he fell ill at a young age. His mother pledged him to the icon of Santa Monica in exchange for his recovery, and he became passionate about the churches he visited during his recovery.
Perez studied under the late professor emeritus Cenon Rivera during his time at UST.
Perez pursued further studies in New York at the Arts Students League in 1984 and at the School of Visual Arts in 1996. Because of his virtuosity in making religious artwork, Perez was commissioned to paint gifts for pontiffs twice: in 1981, he painted the Agoo, La Union Church for Pope John Paul 2nd, and in 2015, he did a portrait of Pope Francis.
Perez had also participated in international competitions, including the Havana Biennale in 1986 and the 17th Singapore International Arts Festival in 1998. His paintings of heritage churches and other religious figures have been reproduced on Philippine stamps. In 1989, the City of Maynila awarded Perez the Araw ng Maynila Award.
Indeed, the art world lost a friend whose dedication to art is immeasurable. His presence in every art opening will be missed.
Goodbye to the Father of Heritage Art.