Filipino artist Carlos Celdran dies in Spanish exile at 46 following controversial activist career
Carlos Celdran, a Filipino activist and performance artist, passed away at the age of 46 in Spain from natural causes, as confirmed by his wife. In February 2019, he relocated to Spain to avoid the political situation in the Philippines. Celdran became notable in September 2010 when he staged a protest at Manila Cathedral, donning a José Rizal costume and holding a sign that read 'DAMASO' to advocate for a reproductive health bill that the Catholic Church opposed. This led to blasphemy charges and a protracted legal struggle. The legislation was eventually enacted in 2012. Celdran was an alumnus of the Rhode Island School of Design and developed the performance-tour 'If these walls could talk,' in addition to being the creative director of the Living Room exhibition space.
Key facts
- Carlos Celdran died at age 46
- He died of natural causes
- He was living in exile in Spain at the time of his death
- He moved to Spain in February 2019
- He interrupted a service at Manila Cathedral in September 2010
- He was dressed as José Rizal during the protest
- He was arrested and charged with blasphemy
- The Philippine Congress approved the reproductive health bill in 2012
- He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design
- His performance-tour 'If these walls could talk' ran for 17 years
- He founded the Manila Biennale in 2018
- He served as creative director of the Living Room exhibition space starting in 2005
Entities
Artists
- Carlos Celdran
- José Rizal
Institutions
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Living Room
- Manila Biennale
- Manila Cathedral
- Philippine Congress
Locations
- Spain
- Manila
- Philippines
- New York
- Rhode Island