Aner Sebastian

Teaching Strokes

Text by Hannah Jo Uy 

Green strokes reminiscent of the emerald hue of the sea, blues that reveal the deep mystery of the night’s sky and oranges that counter the vibrant energy of the sun. These are just a few of the colors that can be expected from Aner Sebastian’s latest collection. On display at the Art Center in SM Megamall, the title of his 8th solo exhibition says it all. “Ecolorgy,” is an exploration and appreciation of color in its natural state. Although not his first exhibit, it still marks a significant landmark in Aner’s artistic career being his first collection that features large-scale pieces. “Very exciting saakin ‘to, feeling ko first one man show ulit,” he relates excitedly. It is also memorable as it is the culmination of a project that has been two years in the planning. “Two years ago, naisip ko na yung Ecolorgy. I said I will exhibit it the moment I’m given the chance to have an exhibit at the Art Center.” And now the time has come, much to the delight of those that have become admirers of his signature stylized works. 

In a way, Aner Sebastian has been a teacher all his life, first, a teacher of visual arts, and now a teacher through visual arts. As an elementary student, one could already foretell the young talent’s future in the arts when he was sent to a special art class. In the 80’s, the city of Manila created a program for elementary schools where they hired teachers for specialized art classes in order to cultivate the creative abilities of a select number of students who had shown potential in their classes. Aner Sebastian was part of this chosen few, and in an ironic twist of fate he would later find himself in the same class, yet not as a student, but as a teacher. 

Now however, he educates a larger audience in a different way. With a constant stream of solo exhibitions, Aner Sebastian’s signature vibrant stylized paintings depicting the diversity and awe-inspiring elements of nature carries with it more than just aesthetic pleasures, it is also a reminder of the true art that we are immersed in as we walk this earth, the delicate balance of existence and the intricate machinery that is nature. 

 “Tumingin ka sa matataas na puno makikita mo sumisilip na liwanag sa mga dahon ng halaman,” says Aner Sebastian as a poetic example of nature being his most favored muse, “Complexity ng nature, doon yung strength na kinukuha ko” With such an endless and infinite power source, it is easy to see why each work in his collection is injected with a strong and perhaps even mystical and hypnotizing quality akin to that of mother earth. Strong colors scattered meticulously throughout his canvas, seemingly random, yet actually carefully and thoughtfully placed to depict the elements of nature. Each area is compact, and teeming with life. The solid color blocks function as breathing spaces. These spaces are in harmony with the organized chaos of color. Shades of lines and geometric figures frame his work, as well as texture which elevates the appreciation of the work to include the tactile senses. “Kung makikita mo gawa ko, hindi mo akalain sa bawat space maraming nabubuhay na species, diyan yung play of space na ginagawa ko. Play of space, play of color, play of line, play of texture. Back to basics. Ang kailangan lang talaga ay ang harmony, paano mo sila i-compose.”

His inspiration is limitless, equal only to his desire to recreate the enchantment that he finds in his subject, “Sa Tubbataha reef ang ganda ng mga corals and different species ng colored fish. Naranasan ko magsnorkeling, naencounter ko kung gaano kalinaw, nakita ko ang true colors ng tropical fishes. Ang galing. Magical. Majestic. Birds of paradise, makikita mo mga colors nila, thriving sa rainforest. Colors sa garden. Creations of God. From  smallest creation hanggang sa mga malalaki.  Other elements naman, di na ganoon kakulay, nagneutralize para mabalance, kaya nga sabi ko ang ganda ng balance, so its up to the artist kung ano impression niya, paano niya palalabasin.”

Aner Sebastian’s fascination with painting nature however is not new,  “Twenty years ago, mga nature na rin na elements ginagawa ko,” says Sebastian in reminiscing about his early beginnings. At the time, Sebastian was still working as a visual arts teacher in Burgos Elementary School, and then in Albert Elementary School. He also worked as an illustrator for the Ateneo Grade School. Though not originally his career path, teaching had become something that he had pursued, “What better way to earn kung saan ka nag eenjoy with what you are really good at? At the same time nagiging artist ng eskwelahan. So ako gumagawa ng design sa bulletin board, sa test exam mga illustrations tapos sa mga stge productions ako gumagwa ng design.”

Despite being busy teaching, he constantly honed his craft by spending his free time painting for art competitions as well as doing commissioned works. As a Fine Arts graduate of Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, he was already doing portraits as a student, juggling work with being a varsity table tennis player and a scholar, all the while constantly participating in art competitions. “Yun lang ang focus ko, studies and athletics. Until now maraming art competitions for students, sali lang ng sali. Talo, manalo ok lang. Gusto ko makita mga nananalo. Ang intention ko sumali, nakikita ko ang level ng mga nananalo, doon ka ngayon matuto. ‘Di ibig sabihin ganon ang i-paint mo, kailangan makita mo quality. Kung bakit siya nanalo, kung ano yun criteria to win yun yung naging tools ko noon. After, nakatikim na din ako ng panalo.”

His dedication has truly paid off and his determination to improve himself had garnered him many awards of his own, such as a 1st place in the AAP Abstract Competition, 1st place in Sports on Canvas and Paper painting competition from the Olympic committee and AAP and many more.

While he spent many years building a reputable name as an educator, aside from the occasional competition, he spent most of his time doing commissioned works. It was in 2003 that he finally applied for early retirement in order to pursue his painting full time.”Sakal ka sa portraits eh, kung ano yung nakikita ng mata mo, kokopyahin mo as is, tapos you have to please the customer. Sa painting pag gumawa ka ng composition mo, talagang ginawa mo yun on your own tapos, pag satisfied ka na sa gawa mo tapos dadalhin mo sa gallery at idisplay mo.Pag binili creation mo, proud ka.” 

  The following year, the focus and energy he exerted as a full time painter already began to bear fruit as he was sent to exhibit all over Europe, going to Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Netherlands and Luxemburg with works he describes as, “Fragmented division of space of different spots in the Philippines, tourist spots.”