Pacita Abad (Filipino)

Paintings

How much are original Pacita Abad paintings worth?

Pacita Abad's work has garnered substantial attention in recent years, particularly for her vibrant and texturally innovative trapunto paintings. Her pieces—often large-scale, colorful, and heavily adorned—have become sought-after at art auctions worldwide. Recent sales reflect this rising acclaim, with Abad’s works fetching as much as $176,063 at auction. The ongoing recognition of her work, bolstered by major retrospectives at institutions such as MoMA PS1 and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), speaks to the lasting impact and increasing value of her artistry on the international market.

Who was Pacita Abad?

Pacita Abad was a Filipino-American artist celebrated for her unique trapunto painting technique, which integrates textiles, beads, buttons, shells, and mirrors, adding dimension and texture to her canvases. Born in Basco, Batanes, Philippines, in 1946, Abad’s early years were shaped by the political turmoil of the Marcos regime, which led her to leave the Philippines and eventually settle in the United States. Abad’s life and career were marked by extensive travel—she visited over 50 countries—enriching her work with multicultural influences and themes of immigration, identity, and social justice. Through her art, Abad offered vivid narratives that capture the struggles of immigrant communities, most notably in works like L.A. Liberty (1992), part of her "Immigrant Experience" series.

How did Pacita Abad get started?

Abad’s artistic journey began after she moved to the United States and pursued formal training at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., followed by the Art Students League in New York. Her early experiences as an immigrant and her exposure to diverse cultures around the world deeply influenced her approach to art. The signature trapunto technique, which she developed early in her career, transformed traditional canvas into a layered, three-dimensional surface—a distinctive feature that set her work apart and gained critical attention.

What was Pacita Abad famous for?

Pacita Abad is best known for her trapunto paintings, which combine elements of abstraction and figuration with a rich, layered texture that blends painting with textile arts. Her works often draw from indigenous crafts and folk-art traditions, making her a prominent figure in postcolonial and feminist art discussions. Series like Masks and Spirits, influenced by traditional mask-making, and her large-scale public installations, such as the vibrant Alkaff Bridge in Singapore, showcase her ability to intertwine art with cultural and social themes.

Buy Pacita Abad paintings for sale

Explore Pacita Abad's work for sale below. At Heritage Auctions, you can bid online about a month prior to auction or participate in live bidding online, in person, or by phone. You can also make an offer on previously purchased works. To stay updated on available works by Abad, save a want list for automatic notifications.

How to value Pacita Abad’s paintings

The best way to assess the value of Abad’s artwork is by comparing past auction results for similar pieces. At Heritage Auctions, final sale prices, including buyer's premiums, are transparent and accessible for reference. When you’re ready to sell or need a formal appraisal, Heritage Auctions’ Appraisal Services Department can provide both informal estimates and formal written appraisals for estate planning, insurance, or sale.