Biography of Dr. Aladin Antiqueño

Contemporary Filipino artist and educator Dr. Aladin Antiqueño is a central figure in Southeast Asian art and fine arts education.

Born in Cainta on November 22, 1971, with familial roots spanning Cadiz City in Negros Occidental, Antique, and Cebu, Dr. Antiqueño's rich heritage deeply influences his work and dedication to promoting Filipino culture globally. He pursued his Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Painting from the Philippine Women's University (1992). He furthered his education with a Master of Fine Arts (earned units) from the University of the Philippines and a Master of Arts in Education from World Citi Colleges. His academic journey culminated in a Doctorate of Fine Arts (H.C.) from St. James University and Seminary in Pennsylvania, USA, and a Doctor of Education from Greenville College.

Currently serving as the Dean of Fine Arts at GK College of Business, Arts, and Technology (since 2018), Dr. Antiqueño has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of Filipino artists, bringing over a decade of experience as a Fine Arts educator (since 2010). He has passionately trained and mentored thousands of students across all ages, from kids and teens to adults and seniors. His innovative curriculum blends traditional and contemporary art forms, fostering a holistic and forward-thinking approach to art education. He is also the President of UFAP (United Fine Artists of the Philippines) and has co-founded the GK Art Gallery in Tagaytay, Philippines, serving as its Director of Creative Arts.

Dr. Antiqueño is a prolific author. His books, "From Blank Canvas to Masterpiece" (2023) and "Art Restoration" (2024, co-authored), are internationally acclaimed and used as essential references by students and professionals worldwide. His expertise in art restoration has revitalized many valuable artworks, preserving the rich artistic heritage of the Philippines, including important art pieces by Old Masters. A true-blooded Filipino artist, Dr. Antiqueño has consistently championed Philippine culture and arts on the international stage.

Credited as the Father of Composed Photorealism, a distinct style in visual arts where photographs taken from different places and times are composed to appear as though they were captured simultaneously in the same location, which are then painted photorealistically with utmost attention to detail. His works often promote themes of love, peace, harmony, purity of children, and native games, rendered with photorealistic precision. An actively exhibiting visual artist since the 1990s, his significant body of work includes 22 Legacy Solo and Select Exhibits, alongside numerous group exhibitions. His exceptional talent was recognized with the Grand Prize Winner (Oil & Acrylic) at the Shell NSAC in 1992. His lifelong contributions to the visual arts will be celebrated with the National Treasure for Visual Arts Award at the 1st FAMAS Prestige 2025.

Committed to supporting aspiring artists, he founded the Antiqueño Scholarship for the Arts (established in 2021), providing financial assistance to those in need. His students have won numerous grand prizes in national art contests, a testament to his exceptional mentorship. He also extends his reach to communities through free fine arts classes and workshops. Further demonstrating his roots and dedication to arts education, Dr. Antiqueño co-founded a Fine Arts school in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, his mother's hometown.

Looking to the future, Dr. Antiqueño has upcoming fine arts education projects aimed at reaching more artists from around the globe. With a career spanning decades, he continues to inspire and elevate Filipino art and culture, both locally and internationally, celebrating the Philippines' rich heritage and paving the way for future generations to explore and innovate within the world of fine arts.