May Baddour is a Lebanese sculptor living in exile who holds a unique and highly historic place in the Philippine contemporary art scene. Her career is inextricably linked to the foundations of local gallery culture: in 1976, Baddour made history as the featured artist in the very first exhibition mounted by Galleria Duemila, which stands today as the longest-running commercial art gallery in the Philippines.
Decades later, she continues to be celebrated by the local and international contemporary art communities for her distinct sculptural voice. Her enduring relationship with Galleria Duemila highlights her lasting impact as a pioneering international figure who helped shape the early landscape of Philippine gallery exhibitions.
Career Highlights & Notable Works:
Historic Milestone (1976): Inaugural exhibiting artist for Galleria Duemila, marking the beginning of the Philippines' longest-running commercial art space.
Signature Medium: Renowned for utilizing heavy, unconventional materials—most notably lead—to craft deeply emotive works.
Notable Archive: Her 2008 lead sculpture, Sculptural Gem I, is celebrated as a prime example of her compact, striking aesthetic and has been prominently featured and archived by Galleria Duemila.
