Legacy of Cebuano painter revisited on Int'l Museum Day

GMA Network

18-05-2025

The National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu has put the spotlight on Cebuano painter Martino Abellana on International Museum Day 2025.
His life and works were remembered through a lecture series and expert talk by University of the Philippines - Cebu Asst. Prof. Jay Nathan Jore.
In 'Dagway sa Hulagway, Laraw sa Larawan,' which tackled the pre-Abellana stage to the Abellana stage, Jore talked about the genius and enduring legacy of 'Maestro Tinong.'
Jore talked about Abellana's beginnings to formalize art education and academic fine arts, his technique and artistry (mastery of nature and its colors to his modernist experimental theory), his pedagogical contribution, and his desire and enthusiasm to teach art and being very proud of his students.
It was reportedly important for Abellana to share his knowledge and art to aspiring Cebuano artists at that time.
What was important for him, Jore emphasized, was the 'desire and enthusiasm to become an artist and then to follow it up with hard work.'
Jore also emphasized how Abellana's works endeavored to capture the diversity of human emotions and human conditions - from the beautiful to the ugly, to the young and old age, as well as the realities of human life.
According to the National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu, the Martino Abellana Lecture Series (Ang Mga Sugilanon ni Maestro Tinong) was born from its landmark 2023 exhibition, 'Ang Kamamugnaon ug Kinaadman ni Maestro Tinong,' and stands as a continuing tribute to the enduring legacy of the Dean of Cebuano Painters.
'This series is part of our deepening commitment to honor and share the life and work of Noy Tinong, while supporting the growing movement for his national recognition and nomination to the Order of National Artists for Visual Arts,' the museum said.
This campaign was launched officially on February 7, 2025, in partnership with CIT University and University of the Philippines - Cebu - institutions where Abellana mentored his earliest students, many of whom have gone on to become prominent figures in the contemporary art scene.
'Through this lecture series, we continue to bring his artistry closer to the public and carry forward the momentum of his story as a pillar of Cebuano and Philippine art,' the museum said.
Guided by the ICOM theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,' the 2025 International Museum Day challenges museums to reflect on their role not just as guardians of the past but as active participants in shaping resilient, responsive, and inclusive futures.