It is often said that we should cherish and support artists while they are here to see it. While the legacies of the greats are vital, living artists are the ones who can still feel our appreciation and benefit from our support as they continue their journey. Within the Modern Art: Philippine Edition collection, Raul Lebajo stands as the sole living master among the featured artists—a rare and beautiful opportunity for us to honor his ongoing contribution to Philippine art in real-time.
Visiting the realm of Raul Lebajo’s work feels like stepping into a dream where the boundaries between nature and human consciousness blur. Much like the legacies of Abdulmari Imao, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Larry Alcala, Lebajo’s art represents a living archive of a visionary who has spent over five decades refining his craft. His paintings do not just sit on a wall; they breathe, blending surrealist influences with a deep, poetic appreciation for the organic forms of the Philippine landscape.
Born in 1941, Raul Hembra Lebajo is a titan of Philippine contemporary art. His formal journey began at the University of the East in 1965, later culminating in a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Philippine Women’s University in 1969. A pivotal moment in his early career came in 1968, when he secured first prize in the Shell National Student Art Competition. Since that landmark win, Lebajo has maintained a prolific full-time career spanning more than five decades, becoming one of the most respected names in the local and international art scenes.
A Global Legacy in Fine Art
Lebajo’s influence extends far beyond the archipelago. In 1989, he was awarded a prestigious grant by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. He also proudly represented the Philippines in the 1998 Beaux Arts: Art in the World exhibit in Paris.
Throughout his career, Lebajo has showcased his works extensively across Asia, Europe, and the United States. His acclaimed paintings have been featured in renowned institutions, including:
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The National Gallery of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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The Art Center of Silpakorn University in Bangkok, Thailand
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Leading commercial galleries in Hong Kong and Germany
Solo Exhibitions and Critical Acclaim
The artist’s global presence is further cemented by solo exhibitions at the Le Plaza Hotel in Basel, Switzerland, and the Chicago Cultural Center in the United States.
Lebajo’s contributions to the art world have not gone unnoticed by critics and historians. In 1994, he was a featured artist in the Asian Art News series "Artists at Work/The Philippines," in a profile penned by Ruben D.F. Defeo. His work has also earned citations from esteemed art critics such as Leo Benesa and Ian Findlay-Brown, solidifying his place as a master of the Philippine surrealist tradition.
Art You Can Actually Play
I’ve always felt that art appreciation shouldn’t stay trapped inside a museum. It belongs at your gaming table too. We hope this project sparks some curiosity and gets people talking. By bringing icons like Imao into the tabletop world, we’re turning our heritage into something you can touch, experience, and share with your favorite people.
Let’s keep supporting our local creators. You can help champion these legacies by picking up Modern Art: Philippine Edition. This is a piece of history you can actually own.
A huge thank you to Fundacion Sansó for partnering with us. We’re so grateful for their help in making this project happen and for everything they do to preserve Filipino artistry.
Bring the gallery home:
👉 https://www.gaminglib.com/products/modern-art-ph
Learn more about the legacy:
👉 https://fundacionsanso.ph/
Each artist brings a unique vision of Philippine culture and history to the table. Explore the stories and legacies of the other featured artists:
About Gaming Library
Gaming Library aims to be the go-to resource for board games, providing not only titles that can be enjoyed by families, but also to be enjoyed by friends both newcomers and veterans alike. By pulling from different resources from all over the world, we at Gaming Library curate an impressive collection of games for consumers to choose from, suitable for anybody from casual players to hardcore hobbyists. In doing so, we hope to provide the best means to foster activities that strengthen family ties and friendships, while teaching relevant skills and practical critical thinking that can be applied to your everyday life.
