WORKS of the late religious painter Joey Velasco were featured in a Lenten exhibit organized by the Dominicans at the Museo de Santo Domingo in Quezon City last April 17 to 24.
Velasco, a businessman who later became a religious artist, started painting when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2005. He was known for using a French technique called “Grisaille” to give emphasis to subjects like Christ and innocent street children, which are set against a solid dark background.
Velasco’s paintings comprised “social problems” and “spiritual experience,” said Gigi Lastimosa, administrative officer of the Joey Velasco Foundation.
His most famous work is probably the 4×8-ft “Hapag ng Pag-asa.” It is Velasco’s version of the “Last Supper,” showing Christ with 13 “real-life” street children longing for food, protection and parental care.
Velasco also featured an amputated boy cleaning Jesus’ feet in “Lingkod.” This painting portrays how man shows strong faith despite his handicap.
Meanwhile, “No Greater Love” illustrates the absolute devotion of two child-vendors offering water and sampaguita to the crucified Jesus.
Lastimosa said many were interested to buy his paintings, but Velasco opted not to sell them. His works are now properties of the Joey Velasco Foundation, which provides social services and supports the education of children featured in his paintings. Ana May R. Dela Cruz
