To a young aspiring artist, the beginning will always be the most difficult. Finding one’s visual language, getting exhibited and even figuring out how to survive financially in a competitive local art scene are just some of the stumbling blocks that need overcoming.

So it goes without saying that any support they get can become a big boost to their morale, and for Eugene Jarque, Mac Valdezco, Lexygius Calip, Lynyrd Paras, Ryan Rubio and Joey Cobcobo, that came from the late art patron Albert Avellana.

These six artists consider Avellana, who was also a former president of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines Inc., a catalyst in their early artistic careers and are honoring him through “Same House, Different Time.” This continues a yearly tradition by Avellana to celebrate his birthday with an exhibit opening.

“The Dreamer” and “In Love” by Joey Cobcobo

The artworks presented by Avellana Art Gallery (AAG) show each individual artist’s evolution, with some pieces having been shown to the public for the first time in over two decades.

One such is Jarque’s “Original and Copy,” a mixed media work from 1998 that was from his first group show—curated by Avellana, of course.

Jarque says that he first got his exposure through Avellana when he worked part-time at his gallery and eventually became an artist-in-residence.

“Hindi siya nakikialam sa artistic freedom, basta gawa lang kami nang gawa, mabenta o hindi tinabi niya pa din iyong mga works sa storage,” says Jarque, who also had the opportunity to be exhibited in Madrid, Spain.

‘Nagbigay ng chance’

For Valdezco, whose impressive fabric sculptural works “Merge” and “I” from her first solo show in 2002 now occupy corners of the exhibition area, recalls how Avellana sponsored the materials that she used more than 20 years ago.

“Isa siya sa nagbigay ng chance sa mga batang taga-TUP (Technological University of the Philippines),” Valdezco says. “Kaunti lang kasi mga gallery noon at mahirap mag-apply, lalo na kapag bata ka pa.”

In the case of Cobcobo, whose earliest contribution to the exhibit are two watercolor and oil on paper works from 2002, Avellana is considered part of his own family. A godfather to all his children, Avellana would either buy Cobcobo’s works or refer him to friends just so the artist could continue producing works and not lose hope.

“Hinihikayat ka niya na sumali sa mga art competition,” the artist says. “He nominated me for art residencies. I’d ask him if my concepts can be worked out in reality or if it’s practical.”’

Nowadays, AAG continues to be a “living, evolving space for the creative spirit,” where artists, family, friends and art lovers come together. The legacy left behind by Avellana is indeed a lasting one and should be a comforting thought, not just for artists he has helped but also for those who are looking to make their mark in the art world. —CONTRIBUTED INQ