A Tribute to Juvenal Sansó’s Art and Life

Celebrating and remembering the life of Juvenal Sansó, an artist deeply immersed in his craft.

Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos Fundación Sansó
April 2, 2025

At 95, Spanish-born Philippine artist Juvenal Sansó passed away on March 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of works that captured the essence of both triumph and tragedy. His extraordinary talent in art united the industry in mourning, with many reflecting on their shared memories, first encounters, and his unparalleled kindness.

The Beginning of a Life in Art

Born on November 23, 1929, in Reus, Spain, Sansó’s early life was marked by upheaval. In 1934, his family fled the Spanish Civil War and relocated to the Philippines, setting the stage for his journey in the world of art.

Surviving World War II, Sansó honed his artistic path in the Philippines, studying painting and fine arts under the mentorship of Filipino National Artists like Fernando Amorsolo and Guillermo Tolentino. The influence of modernist pioneers such as César Legaspi, Galo Ocampo, and Antonio Garcia-Llamas would later guide him toward a more contemporary vision in his work.

Celebrating Sansó’s Life

As his career flourished through local art competitions, Sansó ventured to Europe to further his studies, enrolling at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome and the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His works began to appear in prestigious cultural capitals such as Paris, Rome, and London, solidifying his place on the international art scene.

His impact on both the Philippine and global art communities was immense. In addition to his numerous exhibitions, he received national honors, including the Presidential Medal of Merit in 2006, the Distinguished King’s Cross of Isabela from King Juan Carlos I of Spain in 2007, and the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2008.

Sansó: A Gift to the Art World

Beyond his accolades, Sansó’s true legacy lies in his generosity and commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. In 2014, he established Fundación Sansó, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving his work and supporting emerging talent. Today, the foundation stands as a vital center for contemporary Philippine art, offering programs like the Fine Arts Student Stipend Program and Art + Design = Empowerment, among other advocacy initiatives.

His generosity extended beyond his foundation. The Hanan Initiative PH, a group of Filipino women printmakers, expressed their gratitude for Sansó’s support and belief in their newly-formed collective. Similarly, Mbrace Project Inc. shared their experience of partnering with him to bring hope and inspiration to children battling cancer and other chronic illnesses.

Bambi Mañosa, President of Museong Pambata, also spoke of Sansó’s enduring kindness and generosity, which played a pivotal role in inspiring and showcasing art to Filipino children.

An Artist’s Legacy

Known for his exceptional talent, Sansó used his art as a vehicle for expressing the full range of human emotion, embodying both triumph and tragedy. As the late art historian Rod Paras-Perez once noted, “Sansó believes that the act of painting is an intimate, private confession. For him, the audience is always an intrusive eavesdropper. It is a point in his solitary journey to the self.”

Though he has passed, Sansó’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. His passion for art transcended the canvas—he uplifted communities and individuals in need through Fundación Sansó, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Señor Sansó will forever live on through his boundless generosity, which touched the lives of countless people.