‘Doc Rod,’ artist-scholar, dies; 76

MANILA, Philippines -- Artist, critic and scholar Rodolfo Paras Perez died early Wednesday morning at the intensive care unit of the Medical City in Pasig City. He was 76.

Perez was rushed to the hospital Sunday after he was found unconscious in his home. He apparently had a massive heart attack, said Eddie Chua, an art collector and friend of Perez.

Known as ‘Doc Rod’ for his scholarship and for having been faculty member and assistant dean of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, Perez was a Harvard-trained art historian and critic who became known for his graphic works as well as several authoritative books on Philippine art and art practitioners. (report from Philippine Daily Inquirer)