2019 marks the centennial celebration of National Artist for Visual Arts Francisco V. Coching. Earning the title "King of Komiks", Coching was born on January 29, 1919 to a noted Tagalog novelist and comics illustrator Gregorio Coching.
Coching started his career in creating komiks-novels in 1934. His stories and artworks were a mix of Philippine mythology, heroes, legends, drama, and romance. His illustrations have captivated his readers. He was a one-of-a-kind storyteller whose story plots got his readers hooked.
During Francisco Coching's time, komiks was considered a lowly medium perhaps due to its ubiquity, affordability and mass appeal. Coching succeeded in bridging the gap between fine art and popular art.
The works of Coching has become materials for the cinematic art. Notable filmmakers like fellow National Artists Lamberto Javellana and Gerardo de Leon made his novels into films.
To celebrate Francisco V. Coching's life and influence , an exhibit displaying some of his most significant works in the hopes of sharinge this legacy to the new generation.
The Francisco V. Coching King of Komiks Exhibit is open to all for viewing at the Upper Ground Floor Atrium and will run until February 24.