The Philippine art world is mourning the death of renowned visual artist Mauro Malang Santos.

More popularly known as Malang, the artist passed away on June 10, his family had announced. He was 89.

Leon Gallery owner and top art auctioneer Jaime Ponce de Leon said Malang was the epitome of Philippine art.

“Malang is one of the best-selling artists of his generation,” said Ponce de Leon. “Truly a great Filipino artist!”

Top artist Eghai Talusan Fernandez, head of the National Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, said Malang’s art was lasting.

“Kay Malang may forever,” Fernandez declared.

Best-selling sculptor Michael Cacnio called Malang’s works “iconic.”

“Maestro Malang’s style is unmistakable, it’s what one could call as the ‘Malang impression,’” said Cacnio. “His naif renditions on Filipino traditions give them a modern touch. He is a Master Artist and his works will forever be iconic in Philippine art. “

Award-winning emerging artist Wilfredo Offemaria, Jr. said Malang was a big influence among many young artists.

“Malang has been one of my inspirations since I was in fine arts school. Until now, he is still a big influence in my artistry,” he said.

Roel Obemio, whom Malang mentored, said the late artist had been a “big influence.”

“He once told me: ‘Sacrifice anatomical correctness for design or balance,’” said Obemio. “I will never forget that. He gave me one of his pastel abstracts a few Christmases ago. He was truly a man of grace.”

Malang’s remains are at Arlington Funeral Chapels on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. He will be buried on June 13, said his artist-son Soler Santos.