Imelda Cajipe Endaya Becomes First Female National Artist in Philippines

Imelda Cajipe Endaya, a 77-year-old artist from the Philippines, has made history as the first woman to receive the Order of National Artists for Visual Arts. This prestigious award was conferred on September 1, 2026, by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Established in 1972, the Order of National Artists is the highest honor given to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the arts in the country. Endaya's recognition reflects her pioneering work in feminist and socially engaged art over more than five decades.

Her artistic journey began in the 1970s, during which she created social realist paintings, printmaking, and installations that capture the struggles within Philippine society. Her work addresses critical issues such as gender and labor inequality, cultural identity, migration, globalization, and the experiences of diasporic communities. In an interview with Artforum, she shared her intention to integrate her reality into her artwork, emphasizing the personal narratives that shape her creative expression.

Throughout her career, Endaya has actively contributed to the arts community. She co-founded the collective of women artists known as Kasibulan and the Pananaw: Philippine Journal of Visual Arts. Additionally, she has been affiliated with the Philippine Association of Printmakers and served on the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Committee on Visual Arts. Her contributions extend beyond her artistic practice; she has also taken on roles as a writer, curator, and educator, nurturing the growth of feminist art in the Philippines.

Endaya's work is featured in various prestigious collections, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine National Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Singapore, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. Her landmark retrospective exhibition in 2022, titled "Pagtutol at Pag-asa (Refusal and Hope)," further solidified her legacy in Philippine art. In 2026, her art was showcased internationally at events like S.E.A. Focus in Singapore and Art Basel Hong Kong, extending her influence beyond the Philippines.

In accepting the award, Endaya expressed gratitude and hope for the future of women artists in the Philippines. She remarked, "People say I have just broken a glass ceiling. There should be more successful women artists after me." Her achievement marks a significant milestone in recognizing women's contributions to the arts, inspiring future generations of artists to pursue their creative endeavors.