Biography

Alfonso Angel Yangco Ossorio was a prominent Filipino American abstract expressionist artist, born on August 2, 1916, in Manila, Philippines. He was of Hispanic, Filipino, and Chinese descent and moved to the United States at a young age, where he pursued his education in fine arts at Harvard University and the Rhode Island School of Design. Ossorio became an American citizen in 1933 and served as a medical illustrator during World War II. His early artistic endeavors were rooted in surrealism, but he later became a significant figure in the abstract expressionist movement, known for his vibrant and dynamic works. Ossorio was deeply influenced by his friendships with artists such as Jackson Pollock and Jean Dubuffet. He played a crucial role in connecting Pollock with European art circles, facilitating his first solo exhibition in Europe. Ossorio's own work evolved to include assemblages, which he termed 'congregations,' incorporating diverse materials such as shells, bones, and found objects. One of his most notable commissions was the mural "The Angry Christ" for the St. Joseph the Worker Chapel in the Philippines, which has become a cultural landmark. Ossorio's work is celebrated for its bold experimentation and integration of diverse cultural influences. His legacy is preserved through his contributions to the abstract expressionist movement and his unique approach to assemblage art. He passed away on December 5, 1990, in New York City, leaving behind a rich artistic heritage that continues to be studied and admired.