Carating, Norberto "Lito"

Born on January 7, 1948, in Masambong, Quezon City, Norberto “Lito” Carating is a highly decorated painter whose career spans more than four decades. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines (UP) in 1971 under the tutelage of National Artist Jose Joya. Following his graduation, Carating took a unique creative detour, working for over a decade as a professional opera singer (baritone) in the United States and Canada. At age 37, he returned to the Philippines to commit completely to his studio practice.

Carating has represented the Philippines in prestigious global arenas, including the 2nd Havana Biennale in Cuba (1986) and the Venice Biennale (2015). Highly sought after in both primary and secondary art markets, his works are centerpieces in top-tier corporate and private collections across Asia and the West.

Major Awards & Distinctions:

1994: 5th Prize, First Philippine Art Awards (Philip Morris)

1990: Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Thirteen Artists Award

1980: Best Entry, 32nd Annual Competition, Art Association of the Philippines (AAP)

1973: Grand Award, 25th Annual Competition, Art Association of the Philippines (AAP)

1969: 1st Prize, 19th National Student’s Art Competition (Shell Company of the Philippines)

Selected Solo Exhibitions:

2021: Vivace – Salcedo Private View, Manila

2014: Last Full Show – Now Gallery, Makati City

2004: Korredor – UP College of Fine Arts, Quezon City

1993: Recent Works – Galleria Duemila, Manila

1989: Solo Exhibition – Ayala Museum, Makati City

1974: First One-Man Show – Galerie Bleue, Manila

Selected Global & Group Exhibitions:

2015: Personal Structures: Crossing Borders – Palazzo Bembo, Venice Biennale, Italy

2004: Forum For Four (with Gus Albor, Nestor Vinluan, and Norberto Carating) – Art Forum, Singapore

2000: Cinco Pintores – Museo de la Universidad de Valencia, Spain

1980: Seven Filipino Painters – Philippine Center, San Francisco, USA

1977: Insight: Contemporary Philippine Art – Museum of Philippine Art, Manila / International Monetary Fund, Washington, D.C.