Living the Amorsolo tradition

Monday, October 10, 2011

WHEN I die, worthless na ang painting ko, (my painting would be worthless),” the great Fernando Amorsolo once said.

Little did he know that his works would be praised today for its artistic quality and impeccable portrayal of Filipino culture. Known for his works that depict the charm of the Filipino countryside, Amorsolo is held in high regard as one of the Philippines’ national artists.

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Had he known that he would be considered as such, perhaps he would have shied away from the title. His daughter Sylvia Amorsolo Lazo described him as a “humble and simple man very dedicated to his work.” Rather shy too because when he received awards, he would usually send representatives in his place. But most of all, “he was appreciative of young, modern artists,” Sylvia recalled.

The Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, presided by Sylvia, recently had the Visayas phase of their first painting competition in honor of the great artist. It is called The Fernando C. Amorsolo National Art Competition.

The competition was divided into two categories namely Mentor and Apprentice. Artists qualified for the mentor category were those who have had exhibits and/or are currently teaching in an art school. As for the apprentices, these are the young and budding artists of this generation. In Visayas, there were 13 finalists vying for the awards.

The finalists’ works were displayed in the SM Art Center recently. Going through the different paintings was like going through a storybook telling the different lives of Filipinos. A personal favorite was “Spider Fight” done by Andie Estrellada of Siquijor. See a group of youngsters fervently playing this unfussy, popular street game. It is a vision not commonly mentioned in history books, nevertheless it is a reality of many Filipino children. This painting won third place in the Mentor category.

The second place went to Ronilo Abayan for his work “Mother & Child,” while first place was awarded to Jun Impas for his “Flower Vendor” painting. Impas, who has been painting since 1992, is fond of rendering the modest yet vibrant lives of Filipinos.

His winning piece is a colorful illustration of a typical market scene, from the deep round baskets vendors often use to the large umbrella that shields them from the glaring sun.

In the apprentice category, third place went to Drego Cavalida for Wash Day,” second place went to Rosauro Ugan for Ampaw Mo Diha,” and firstt place went to Garry Watin for “Flower Market.”

The foundation’s vice-president Fernando Amorsolo Lazo said that it is possible that they might venture into other modes of art in succeeding competitions. For now, they focus on Amorsolo’s signature style of traditional realism. The competition is a call to Filipino artists everywhere to foster their talent and share it—a legacy that surely the great Amorsolo would have been very proud of.