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In Memory of Papo de Asis
Master Artist/Activist
A dear and cherished friend
 I adored Papo de Asis and feel blessed for the time we shared. I met him at the Onyx in Hollywood during his 1992 solo exhibition. His artwork was exhilarating, enlightening and bigger than life. He brought poetic pain and injustice to life with the mastery of his brush strokes onto his canvases. His works were complex, disturbing and painful. He was the conscience of human rights violations and atrocities and opened my eyes to the world around me. He fought for human rights not only for Filipinos, but for people around the world.
 I was honored and thrilled to be his representative and curate his works at El Pueblo Gallery on Olvera Street and in venues throughout both Los Angeles and Mexico. His exhibitions routinely raised the collective consciousness of his viewers, forcing them to learn more about how governments had such a destructive impact upon the people and the environment. He was very interested in organizing other artists - activists and worked diligently with the community. He saw the power of unity and how changes could be made by the people. I was very proud of the awareness he had always created.
Papo was humble and compassionate with a great sense of humor and a zest for life. We shared an artist loft in downtown Los Angeles. He told me stories of his life in the Philippines and how much he missed his children. I remember his joy one day when he learned he was to be reunited with his eldest daughter Mona Lisa and his son Jojo who are also talented.
 Accompanied by our good friend Al Herion, Papo and I spent countless hours at the Onyx, sipping coffee, deliberating politics, teasing one another, sketching, and planning future exhibitions. Al and I would always enjoy watching Papo win chess matches against all challengers. Although his work recorded the shocking atrocities of history, he also did a wonderful impersonation of Elvis Presley that left me in stitches. The man could sing! It was a bohemian life and I have such fond memories.
He was a kind and loving man with a heart of gold. Even if he were broke, he willingly gave his change to the homeless, as he could never turn anyone away.
Papo, although mostly self-taught, was a master artist and was highly respected by his peers who were in awe of his exemplary political and artistic commitment. His legacy will live on for future generations.
Click to view “A Tribute to Papo de Asis” slideshow.
If your browser does not support the slideshow,
click here to view Papo de Asis Art Gallery!
Papo died of a massive stroke on January 8, 2005. It was a tremendous loss of a man who meant so much to his family as well as to his fellow artists, activists, and his beloved Philippines. As a fiancé, father, brother, friend, artist, mentor, activist and community organizer, Papo was an inspiration to all who met him. He dedicated his life to the cause of social justice and for that, all those who love liberty owe him a debt of gratitude. Papo will be fondly remembered as the revolutionary “People’s Artist.”
His fiancé, his son and daughters survive him.
They were all such a treasure to him.
We wish them well.
(Papo de Asis standing in the middle, just left of the woman)
“May you enjoy your new journey in peace with much love!
Your spirit will live within us and your legacy will endure as
you have been such a great light, mentor and example.
You taught me how one person could make such a great difference.
Thank you Papo for caring so much about your fellow man and
giving me the privilege to work and laugh with you.
You will be dearly missed, however, your spirit with
my fond memories will live in my heart.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Until we meet again. Farewell!
Soar like a beacon of light!
Fly in Peace!”
Love always,
Ginette Rondeau
To view tribute to Papo de Asis: “Tribute to Papo de Asis”
To view Papo de Asis Gallery: “Work of Papo de Asis”
To submit statements, stories, and/or pictures
at Olvera-Street.com
please e-mail rondeau@Olvera-Street.com
Your e-mailed submissions may be posted to this site
unless given instructions not to do so.
If you would like to write a private letter to a beloved one
visit: www.MailBoxToHeaven.com
To view more current works by Papo de Asis
Photo taken by Juliane Backmann
Photos of Papo at the Onyx by Paul Posada
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