Ibinandera muli ni Manila-based mixed media artist Jef Albea ang ilan sa kanyang obra sa kamakailang exhibit sa nagpapatuloy na Artexpo New York, kasalukuyang isa sa pinakamalaking fine art trade show sa mundo.
Kasama ang kapwa Pinoy visual artist din na si Chadwick Arcinue, unang beses na naitampok sa naturang art fair ang metikuloso, at makahulugang mga imahe ng kababaihan sa iskultura ni Albea.
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Ang apat na araw na exhibit ng dalawang Pinoy artist mula Marso 30 hanggang Abril 2 ay dinaluhan ng parehong international art enthusiasts, traders, collectors at lalo ng ilang masugid na kababayan sa Manhattan, New York.
Sa ekslusibong panayam ng Balita kay Albea, naibahagi nito sa katunayan ang ilang beses munang pagtanggi ng art fair sa kaniyang mga obra, bagay na aminado siyang itinuring niyang “personal failure” noon.
“Being rejected from the New York Artexpo can be a discouraging experience, particularly if it happens multiple times,” saad niya.
“It can feel like a personal failure, and it can be difficult to maintain motivation and enthusiasm for your work in the face of rejection. Finally receiving that acceptance can be an incredibly validating and rewarding experience, making all the hard work and rejection feel worth it in the end,” dagdag ng modernong iskultor.
Kasakalukuyang nasa humahabang listahan ng kaniyang exhibit ang mga pamosong sentro ng sining sa mundo kagaya ng Paris at Milan sa Italy, at ngayon nga ay ang Artexpo New York.
“The New York art scene is widely considered the art capital of the world due to its thriving community of artists, galleries, and museums. The city is home to numerous influential art collectors, and competition for recognition and sales can be intense, making it a challenging but rewarding environment for artists to succeed. I am very grateful,” pagpapasalamat lang ni Albea sa dagdag na milestone at patuloy na pagbubukas ng mga oportunidad sa kaniyang karera.
“Living my dream and sharing my talent internationally has been an incredible, life-changing experience. It's been a challenging journey, but the fulfillment of finally achieving my goals and seeing my work reach new heights has been nothing short of amazing,” pagpapatuloy niya.
Samantala, nakamusta naman ng Balita si Albea, ilang buwan matapos ang ang naging insidente noong Setyembre 2022 kung saan natangay sa isang five-star hotel ang dalawa niyang obra kasunod ng matagumpay niya ring International Contemporary Art Fair show sa Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
“I totally left that behind. I believe that there are better and bigger things that need celebration than dwell on the past," aniya.
"I am still grateful for the opportunity. In fact, I am returning to Europe for a big show soon,” na-eexcite at sunod na pagbabahagi ng Pinoy pride.
Sa huli, tinatanaw naman na karangalan ni Albea ang maging kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa international art scene, lalo aniya bilang tulay sa mayamang kultura, at sining ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga obra.
“Representing the Philippines at the New York Artexpo has been an honor beyond words. To showcase my sculptures to a global audience, while carrying the Philippine flag, fills me with pride and gratitude. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise the flag of my country high and to show the world the beauty and richness of our culture through my art.”
