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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider After suffering a stroke, artist learns how to paint anew

After suffering a stroke, artist learns how to paint anew

Published Nov 7, 2023 07:17 am

ILOILO CITY — In 2019, abstract artist Al Provido of Iloilo thought he was done for, after, at the age of 48, he suffered a stroke.

After getting out of the hospital, Al only had one thing in mind — hatred.  

“Hatred for my life.  Hatred for what happened to me,” Al told Manila Bulletin.

AL PROVIDO.jpg
ABSTRACT artist Al Provido with his works in the 'Circle is the New Square' exhibit at Museo Iloilo in Iloilo City. After recovering from a stroke, Al had to learn to paint with his left hand. (Tara Yap)

“It was something that was not supposed to happen to me. I was too young. I had a family to take care of.  I just thought everything was hopeless then,” Al recalled.

But four years later, self-pity is no longer in Al’s mind as he mounted his first solo art exhibit.

The exhibit, entitled “Circle is the New Square,” is currently staged at the Museo Iloilo, and it showcases more than 36 mixed media works of the 52-year-old artist. 

It was not an easy journey for Al, who felt like he had to start from scratch, as he even thought that physical therapy after the stroke was useless. But it was his therapist who encouraged him to be optimistic if his goal at that time was to walk without a cane.

Little by little, Al regained his physical movements. But with the stroke affecting the right side of his body, Al had no choice but to learn to paint with his left hand.

“I never thought I could paint with my left hand, but there it was. Ideas just flowed and I painted. It made me feel alive again,” Al expressed.

For Al, the new collection of works signifies his rebirth — as a father, as a husband, as an artist, and as a survivor.

Al has survived life beyond the confines of museums and galleries when he chose to work in the corporate world as a bank manager and sales manager to provide for his family.

But of course, art has always been a passion for Al. For more than 30 years, painting has made him happy — whether or not he paints for himself or for the numerous exhibits in Iloilo and Metro Manila.

“I’m happy enough to paint my thoughts and ideas. It’s only a bonus if someone buys my work or I get recognition,” Al added.

Al has been a finalist in the Philippine Art Awards, a semi-finalist in Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) Awards, and a juror’s choice in the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) painting competition during the 1990s and the 2000s.

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