Gan homeless artist — The artist Edgardo Lam. Image: courtesy of/by Matthew Gan

Just in time for this year’s National Arts Month celebration, images of a “homeless artist” are making rounds in social media.

In a Facebook post on Feb. 5, netizen Kel Navarro shared a photo of a “homeless artist” he called “Tatay Edgardo.” The artist, as per Navarro, lives and displays his paintings along M. H. Del Pilar corner Padre Faura Streets, Ermita, Manila.

The post went viral, instantly garnering thousands of likes and shares among curious netizens who got inspired by it. The post also resonated among those who urged others to support artists, especially impoverished ones like “Tatay Edgardo.”

In another viral post on Facebook, writer and netizen Matthew Gan also shared his captivating photos of the same artist. This time, Gan introduced him as “Edgardo Lam, a 65 year-old homeless painter.”

“Kuya Edgardo has been painting for roughly 20 years, it was just his way to kill time and distract himself from the outside world,” wrote Gan. “Eventually, he decided to create a humble street gallery for everyone to see and hopefully make a living out of it.”

Gan noted that the materials used by Kuya Edgardo are limited, and only came from students who visit him. Some come from spare paints or plywood he collected from construction sites. Gan then urged fellow netizens to help out the “homeless painter.”

“If anyone wants to help, buy his artworks and give support to Kuya Edgardo,” said Gan.

People encouraging each other not just to appreciate the arts, but also to support the artists behind the works, may just be the best way to honor artistry, this month and beyond. JB

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