The heartfelt paintings of Cory Aquino

The Philippines' first female president and an icon of democracy, the late Corazon "Cory" Aquino was known for many things, but it may come as a surprise to many that she was also a prolific painter late in life.

 

Aquino's paintings were bright, colorful, and often featured flowers. She would paint on canvas, plates, and even bags.

 

Fondly referred to as Tita Cory, the mother of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III took painting classes from artist Jeffrey Consumo from 1996 to 1999.

Consumo shared that he did not actually teach Aquino, but merely told her, "This is the brush, and this is the paint." 

 

Aquino attended the weekly classes for three years, and was never absent. "Magaling, masipag," said Consumo, who was pleasantly surprised to discover that Aquino had continued painting even after the classes were over.

 

"At first it's a hobby, but after me, continuous na, hindi na siya nagpaturo. Continuous talaga 'yung painting niya. Kaya surprised talaga ako na hindi ko kilala na 'yung mga painting niya," Consumo said during a recent press conference on "A Gift of Self," an exhibit that showcases about 80 paintings of Aquino.

 

From the heart

 

Consumo described Aquino's paintings as expressionist and original. For him, there are beautiful paintings, which most people prefer, and then there are original paintings, such as those by Aquino. 

 

"In my opinion, a beautiful painting is, we have always to copy. The real painting is always coming from the heart. That is the original," he said.

 

The exhibit, which coincides with Aquino's fourth death anniversary on August 1, showcases paintings that Aquino gave as presents to friends on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. Among those who lent their paintings for the exhibit were Manny Pangilinan, Senate President Franklin Drilon, and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte. 

 

According to Aquino's former spokesperson Deedee Siytangco, Aquino would give her paintings away instead of putting them up for sale, except for four times when she agreed to auction off her work to raise funds for a cause.

 

"She was so generous, that's why the exhibit is called 'A Gift of Self,'" said Siytangco, who spearheaded the exhibit.

 

According to Adamson University President Fr. Gregorio Bañaga Jr., the idea of putting up an exhibit of Aquino's paintings began four years ago. 

 

Bañaga said the idea was to show their students a different side of the President. 

 

"Despite the fact that of course she is well-respected as a moral crusader, and also as chief executive of the country, meron pala siyang ibang side na hindi nakikita ng mga tao — ang kanyang artistic side," said Bañaga.

 

However, the collection was too large for the university's museum. "It became a bigger project that is happening right now," said Raul Agner of the Institutional Development and External Affairs Office of Adamson.

 

Like Grandma Moses

 

Bañaga, who is fond of art, said Aquino's paintings carry a certain joyfulness. "Wala pa akong nakita sa kanyang painting na malungkot. Very bright colors and flowers. Very upbeat, and I like that spirit — that very positive spirit," he said.

 

Agner, who also draws and paints, said Aquino's work reminds him of American artist Grandma Moses, who began painting at the age of 90. "For somebody who started late in painting, she was very dedicated and maganda 'yung talagang output niya. Kasi it comes from the heart," he said of Aquino's work.

 

"She didn't paint for profit or to be famous. It's pure love for art that she did. Very direct 'yung mga painting niya. It comes from what she wanted to express talaga," Agner said.

 

Teena Sarino, who joined Aquino in her painting classes, described Aquino's paintings as "very warm." Aquino had also given several paintings to Sarino and her husband Cesar, and the couple had lent one of the flower paintings for the exhibit.

 

"The color combinations are so beautiful. It's very warm and full of colors, because she's a very warm and such a beautiful person," Sarino said. —KG, GMA News

 

Organized by The Manila Hotel and Adamson University, "A Gift of Self" is on view at the Lobby Lounge of The Manila Hotel from July 29 to August 2, 2013.