Norma Belleza


Norma Belleza is a Filipino painter. She was born in San Fernando, Pampanga. Back then, her family was composed of billboard designers. Married to the Filipino artist, Angelito Antonio, with their children Fatima Baquiran, Emil Antonio, and Marcel Antonio. She studied at the University of Santo Tomas in 1962 and obtained her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.

Career

In her early years, she painted dark and depressing paintings. Her paintings then turned into brightly colors and detailed work on folk genre, including women vendors, potters and workers. Figurative works placed emphasis on her subject’s physical appearance. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she resided with her husband Angelito Antonio. Being idle for 10 years, she had her solo works exhibited at Metro Gallery in 1976. Ever since then, she had nine one-person shows exhibited at different galleries such as: Luz Gallery and ABC Gallery.

Achievements and Recognition

- In the collection of the Jaycee International Art Center and the University of Sydney International House.
- Won second prizes, SNSAC of 1961, and the Traveller's Life Art tilt in '61 and '62.
- Won 3rd prize and honorable mention, AAP Annual and Semi-annual of 1963; and the Gabriela Silang art competition.
- Was 1993 Araw ng Maynila awardee for painting.
- Araw ng Maynila Award for painting.
- Represented the Philippines in the First ASEAN Symposium on Aesthetics Workshop and Exhibition.
- Third Place for Pieta in the Association of the Philippines’ AAP Annual Competition.
- Honorable mention for Betrayal in the Art Semiannual Competition.
- Third place in the Gabriela Silang Art Contest.
- Second Prize and honorable mention in UST’s 300th Anniversary Competition.
- Second Prize in the Traveler’s Life Art Competition.
- Silver Medal in the Traveler’s Life Religious Art Contest.
- Second prize for Dead Christ from The Shell National Student’s Art Competition.