GABRIEL CUSTODIO

Tanza, Cavite (1912-1993)

 

Gabriel Custodio was a scholar at the UP School of Fine Arts and graduated in 1939.

Though a painter in the academic representational tradition, Custodio had his own unique style that used thick impasto, which gave his paintings a rich textural quality.

In his youth he painted on bancas (native boats), caretelas (native passenger carts) and nichos (earth-level tombs).

 

In 1952 Custodio opened a studio on Taft Avenue. In 1955 his piece My Fishing Village won the United National International Art Competition. The work may be seen to this day at the United Nations building in New York City, USA. 

 

In 1959 he had show together with fellow Mabini artist Miguel Galvez, sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

 

Custodio led the Friday Group of Artists who met at the Academy of Filipino Artists in 1956, as well as the Talahib Art Group. Many well-known artists sharpened their skills under Custodio’s guidance.