Felix Laureano: The First Filipino Photographer
Felix Laureano was born on November 20, 1866, in Patnongon, Antique into a prominent landowning family. His mother, Norverta Laureano, was a businesswoman while his father, Manuel Asencio, was a friar from Zamora, Spain.
Laureano, along with his siblings (Santiago, Maria, Consolacion, Vicente, Trinidad, and Jesusa), grew up in Bugasong, Antique where their father was assigned as the town priest. The Laureanos were among the rising native class in the Philippines during the late 19th century, brought by liberal changes in economic and political policy in the colony.
At 17, he attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila in 1883 for just two years. He moved to Iloilo in 1886 to open his first photo studio in Calle Iznart before moving to Spain. He held his debut exhibit in Madrid at the age of 21 and showcased his works at notable expos in Barcelona and Paris.
Laureano lived at a time when key port cities aside from Manila flourished, including Iloilo. Affluent families were able to send their children not only to Manila but also to Europe for education. This generation included Jose Rizal, Juan Luna, and Graciano Lopez Jaena. Coming from an economically well-off family, Laureano was also allowed to travel abroad easily.
Laureano’s significant contribution to history is the publication of “Recuerdos de Filipinas” (Memories of the Philippines), a captivating photography book that offers a vivid portrayal of Filipino life, culture, and landscapes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries mostly in Iloilo and Panay.
Reference: National Museum Western Visayas
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