Alfonso A. Ossorio

Date of Birth: August 2, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: December 5, 1990

Biography

Alfonso A. Ossorio was a Filipino-American abstract expressionist artist, born on August 2, 1916, in Manila, Philippines. He is best known for his dynamic and highly textured works of art that often incorporate found objects and vibrant colors. Ossorio moved to the United States in 1930 to attend school, later studying Fine Arts at Harvard University and the Rhode Island School of Design. His early work was influenced by Surrealism, but he eventually became associated with Abstract Expressionism. Ossorio’s artistic style evolved through his friendships with artists like Jackson Pollock and Jean Dubuffet. In 1950, he purchased “The Creeks,” a sprawling estate in East Hampton, New York, which became a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. Over the years, Ossorio’s work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. He is celebrated for his ability to blend different artistic traditions and for his innovative use of materials. Ossorio passed away on December 5, 1990, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of contemporary art.

5 Interesting Facts about Alfonso A. Ossorio

1. Ossorio was a close friend of Jackson Pollock and was significantly influenced by Pollock’s drip painting technique.

2. He was also deeply inspired by Jean Dubuffet’s concept of Art Brut, or “raw art.”

3. Ossorio was commissioned to create a mural for the Church of St. Joseph in Victorias City, Philippines, which has become one of his most famous works.

4. He amassed an extensive collection of tribal and folk art, which he often incorporated into his own works.

5. Ossorio’s estate, “The Creeks,” is considered a landmark in East Hampton and continues to be a site of artistic pilgrimage.