Toym Imao lives his art as a deep path of openness and knowledge, in which each painting becomes the materialization of an introspective, dreamlike and extravagant world inspired by the visions of his father, the late National Artist Abdulmari Imao. The majority of Toym’s work falls into one or another series of related paintings and sculptures, which share his father’s common themes and symbols as observed in colorful migratory birds, the patterns and colors of nature, and marine life.
Toym Imao has built massive art installations exhibited at the U.P. Palma Hall, and his works remain relevant, truly original and palpably Asian. He has exhibited at Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Ayala Museum, and at the Lopez Museum. Distinguished by masterful craftsmanship, architectural strength, and cultural depth, Imao’s works can be found in the major cities of the Philippines, Vietnam, the United States and Europe, counting among his achievements such historical monuments as the Andres Bonifacio in Maragondon, Cavite; Tandang Sora Memorial Shrine in Quezon City; Cordillera Freedom Movement in Baguio City; and Dr. Jose P. Rizal statue in Carson City, California.