By PR | 10:06 PM March 18, 2024
Boholano artist, Elvin Perocho Vitor will receive the world-renown 6th Leonardo da Vinci International Art Prize on April 14 in Milan, Italy.
His “Bulawanong Bol-anon Series” paintings, with his winning piece, the 53×89-inch, hyper-surreal portrait of fellow Boholano artist and environmentalist Pedro Angco, impressed jurors to earn the prestigious award.
The Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts is conferred on renowned artists whose work constitutes a significant contribution to the artistic legacy of the world by the international artists members of the World Cultural Council.
Vitor recently made waves online and in the international community with his hyper-surrealistic oil paintings, namely, ‘Madagayaong Takna’ and ‘Handuraw Sa Bulawanong Damgo’.
During the opening of the Arts Month exhibit held last Feb. 23, Vitor shared on how he became passionate about being an artist, through his father’s influence, and why he chose hyper-surrealism art.
“Akong gi-fuse ang hyperrealism ug surrealism para naay konsepto. Ug naay concept, mas better kay naay meaning, naay message, ug naay impact.”
He also revealed his father’s contribution to his artistic journey.
“Nag-start akong interest sa art when I was a kid, kay akong papa nag-drawing-drawing sauna. When I was in elementary, akoa na gyud gibutang sa akong yearbook nga I want to become an artist. Same pod pag high school, and then karon naay manifestation nga nahimo kong professional artist,” he added.
He also mentioned that his passion for the arts was because of his eye condition.
“Daot kog mata. I have a high level of myopia. Nearsighted ko, maong ganahan kog colors.”
Vitor’s family is originally from Sierra Bullones but moved to Baclayon. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, majoring in advertising arts from the University of Bohol.
When asked what advice he can share with young aspiring Boholano artists, Vitor emphasized that it requires “going through with the process.”
“It will build your character and attitude, which is key to becoming a good artist. Also, with passion, you will overcome all struggles and hardships before you reach success,” he expounded.
“Nagpasalamat ko sa provincial government nga gitagaan nila og opportunity nga mu-shine ang mga Boholano through visual arts. Hoping further sa mga plano sa gobyerno sa Bohol, mu-elevate ang level sa arts sa Bohol kay naa nay daghang mga potential (artists),” Vitor said to acknowledge the capitol’s efforts to promote Boholano artists.
Allocated with P5 million, the Governor’s Mansion, situated along GPG North Avenue, will be renovated into an art gallery center as approved by the Aumentado administration.
The center will showcase Boholano arts and culture and is poised to be a tourist destination in the UNESCO Global Geopark island province.
Before receiving his award on April 13, Vitor will hold a solo exhibition on April 12, with 50 percent of the earnings earmarked for the deaf and blind community in Bohol. (PiMO/JSS)
