ART ENTHUSIASTS were all praises during Abe Luna Orobia’s seventh one-man show last July 17 at the Ayala Center, Makati City.
A Painting freshman from the UST College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), 17-year old Orobia has already participated in 44 painting exhibitions.
Senator Noli De Castro, who graced the opening ceremonies, admired Orobia’s expertise and worthy example.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, De Castro said that it would be better if the youth would get involved in more productive activities like creative arts rather than be embroiled in vices, such as illegal drugs.
According to Fel Orobia, Abe’s mother, painting runs in the family’s blood. She said that she is a direct relative of national hero and world-renowned painter Juan Luna, whose Spoliarium won first prize in the Madrid Exposition in the late 19th century. Abe’s father, Rogelio Orobia, also came from a family of painters while Abe’s two other siblings are also involved in art.
CFAD Dean Fr. Isidro Abaño lauded Orobia for his talent. He appreciated Orobia’s choice to have his tertiary education here in the University, which clearly defines UST as the best Fine Arts school.
“People are still confident that we are number one,” Abaño said. He added that he is exerting effort to encourage the professors to be more competent in their field. Fr. Abaño emphasized that the professors need to set an example and serve as an inspiration for talented students, like Orobia, so that they will not lose their enthusiasm in further enhancing their craft.
Orobia started painting at the age of five. He was just six years old when he had his first exhibit at the Makati Medical Center. His works depicted his love for nature and the Filipino culture.
Moreover, he considers western artists Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Dugan as his influences. He also regards his great, great grandfather, Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo, as his local influences.
“Proud ako dahil isang famous painter si Juan Luna. Kinikilala siya dito sa country and in the other countries. Natutuwa ako na na-inherit ko `yung talent niya, dahil bibihirang tao ang may talent sa painting,” he adds.
Further, he dreams that someday he will become a National Artist and trusts that UST will help him to reach greater heights. Billy Joe I. Allardo
