History of Pacita Abad in Timeline

"Pacita Barsana Abad, an Ivatan and Filipino-American artist, had a remarkable painting career spanning over three decades. Her journey began with travels to the United States and Spain for graduate studies, leading to exhibitions in over 200 venues worldwide, including 75 solo shows. Abad's art, recognized for its vibrant colors and global influences, has earned a place in prestigious public, corporate, and private collections across more than 70 countries."

October 5, 1946: Birth of Pacita Abad

Pacita Barsana Abad was born on October 5, 1946.

1949: Jorge Abad's Congressional Service Begins

In 1949, Pacita Abad's father, Jorge Abad, began his service in the Congress of the Philippines, representing the district of Batanes.

1966: Aurora Abad's Congressional Term Begins

Aurora Abad, Pacita's mother, began her term in the Congress of the Philippines in 1966, serving in the same position as her husband.

1968: Pacita Abad Graduates from the University of the Philippines Diliman

Pacita Abad graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1968.

1969: Aurora Abad's Congressional Term Ends

In 1969, Aurora Abad's term in the Congress of the Philippines came to an end.

1969: Pacita Abad Begins Law Studies and Student Activism

In 1969, Pacita Abad started graduate law studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. During this time, she became involved in organizing student demonstrations against the brutal tactics used in the 1969 general election.

1970: Pacita Abad Moves to the United States

After facing political persecution in the Philippines, Pacita Abad was encouraged to leave the country. While on her way to Europe to continue her law studies in 1970, she decided to stay in the United States after visiting an aunt in San Francisco.

1971: Pacita Abad's First Marriage

In 1971, shortly after moving to San Francisco, Pacita Abad met and married artist George Kleinmen. The marriage was short-lived, and they separated soon after.

1972: Jorge Abad's Congressional Service Ends

Jorge Abad's time representing Batanes in the Congress of the Philippines ended in 1972.

1973: Pacita Abad Completes Master's Degree and Explores Artistic Pursuits

Pacita Abad completed her master's degree in Asian history from Lone Mountain College in 1973. She was offered a scholarship to Boalt Law School but deferred it to travel across Asia with Jack Garrity. Upon returning, she decided to pursue painting instead of law.

1973: Pacita Abad Meets Jack Garrity

Pacita Abad met Jack Garrity, a graduate student at Stanford, at a World Affairs Conference in Monterey, California in 1973. They decided to embark on a year-long journey through Asia together.

1978: Pacita Abad Begins Travels Inspired by Jack Garrity's Work

In 1978, Pacita Abad started traveling with Jack Garrity as his work took them to various countries, including Bangladesh, Sudan, and Thailand. During these travels, she immersed herself in local art practices and witnessed the plight of refugees, experiences that would later influence her artwork.

1979: Pacita Abad Begins Work on "Portraits of Kampuchea"

Towards the end of 1979, Pacita Abad started creating paintings based on the sketches and photographs she had taken during her time in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border.

April 1980: Pacita Abad Exhibits "Portraits of Kampuchea"

In April 1980, Pacita Abad exhibited a series of 24 paintings titled "Portraits of Kampuchea," also known as the "Cambodian Refugee series," at the Bhirasri Institute of Modern Art in Bangkok. This series was inspired by her time in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border.

1980: Pacita Abad Concludes Travels Through Asia

By 1980, Pacita Abad concluded her travels through Bangladesh, Sudan, and Thailand, where she immersed herself in the region's art and encountered refugee camps.

1980: Pacita Abad and Jack Garrity Move to Boston

In 1980, Pacita Abad and Jack Garrity moved to Boston for Garrity's graduate program at Boston University.

1981: Pacita Abad Starts "Masks and Spirits" Series

Pacita Abad began her "Masks and Spirits" series in 1981, marked by her first trapunto painting.

1982: Pacita Abad and Jack Garrity Leave Boston

In 1982, Pacita Abad and Jack Garrity left Boston after Garrity completed his two-year graduate program at Boston University.

1984: Pacita Abad's Solo Exhibition at the Museum of Philippine Art

In 1984, Pacita Abad had a major solo exhibition titled "Pacita Abad: A Philippine Painter Looks at the World," curated by Arturo Luz, at the Museum of Philippine Art.

1984: Pacita Abad Receives TOYM Award for Art

In 1984, Pacita Abad received the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Art in the Philippines, becoming the first woman to receive this prestigious award.

1985: Pacita Abad's Solo Exhibition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines

Pacita Abad held another major solo exhibition in 1985, titled "Pacita Abad: Paintings of People and Landscapes of Batanes," curated by Ray Albano, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

1985: Pacita Abad's "Sapuno" Resurfaces

Pacita Abad's expressionist oil painting "Sapuno" (Batanes Series), part of her 1985 exhibition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, resurfaced at León Gallery in Makati Central Business District.

1986: Pacita Abad and Jack Garrity Move to Washington D.C.

Pacita Abad and Jack Garrity moved back to Washington D.C. in 1986 for Garrity's work at the World Bank.

1986: Pacita Abad Creates "Bacongo III-IV"

Pacita Abad created the quilted canvas works "Bacongo III-IV" in 1986.

1990: Pacita Abad Creates "European Mask"

Pacita Abad created the quilted canvas work "European Mask" in 1990.

1994: Pacita Abad Becomes a US Citizen

Pacita Abad became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1994.

December 7, 2004: Death of Pacita Abad

Pacita Barsana Abad died on December 7, 2004.

2019: Pacita Abad's Works Exhibited at Tate Modern and Frieze London

In 2019, Tate Modern exhibited three of Pacita Abad's quilted canvas works: "Bacongo III-IV" (1986) and "European Mask" (1990). In the same year, her trapunto quilting paintings were showcased at Frieze London.

July 31, 2020: Google Doodle Commemorates Pacita Abad

On July 31, 2020, Pacita Abad was honored with a Google Doodle.

2023: First Major Retrospective of Pacita Abad's Work

The first major retrospective of Pacita Abad's work was held in 2023, opening at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. The exhibition traveled to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, followed by MoMA PS1 in New York, and then the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.

2024: Pacita Abad's Retrospective Recognized as Largest Museum Exhibit for an Asian American Female Artist

As of 2024, Pacita Abad's retrospective is recognized as the largest museum exhibit in the United States dedicated to an Asian American female artist.