ART GEROCHE

Art Geroche, born in Pavia, Iloilo in 1946, was a renowned Filipino illustrator, painter, and cartoonist known for his dynamic comic art and historical paintings. He studied Drafting at the West Visayas College of Science and Technology (now Iloilo Science and Technology University) and began his career illustrating novels and contributing to comics, including work for DC Comics during the horror genre’s peak in the 1970s. His paintings often highlighted Filipino history and culture, with notable works like “The Barter of Panay” and the mural of Hinilawod , earning him multiple awards. Geroche’s art bridged comics and fine art, influenced by European masters, and many of his works were donated to public institutions in Iloilo. He received nominations for prestigious national awards: Order ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining (Order of National Artists), Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures Award), Gawad Alab ng Haraya (Alab ng Haraya Awards), Dangal ng Haraya (Achievement Award), Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors), and the Philippine Heritage Awards, recognizing his cultural contributions.