Visually impaired painter pays tribute to his alma mater

VISUALLY impaired painter L. De Guzman showcases the scenery of the Ateneo De Manila Loyola Heights campus with his exhibit entitled "Sa Lilim ng Isang Puno-Alay sa Atenista: Paintings of Ateneo Scenery." It will be held on July 7 to 11 and July 14 to 18, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. The opening night is on July 4, 6 p.m. at the Ground Floor of the MVP Student Leadership Center, Ateneo De Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

This will be the fourth solo exhibit of the artist. It will showcase 22 recent mediumand large-scale landscape acrylic paintings, all done in the artist's self-developed style that he dubbed "romantic-impressionist," a style that took him six months to concoct and two years to perfect. The event would also feature musical performances by young musicians.

Even though sight impaired, the artist has managed to create paintings that resemble actual photographs at first glance, but hold warmth and emotion. This limited collection portrays the artist's rendition of the landmarks and scenery of his alma mater, the Ateneo. The paintings would be available for free public viewing.

"It is my goal, through this upcoming exhibit, to highlight the undeniable contribution that the Ateneo, as an educational institution, has given to mypersonal life and artin my development as a person and as an artist. And incidentally, it will also provide as a means of reminiscence for a whole generation of Atenistas-showcasing landmarks and areas that hold a special place in their hearts and memories."

De Guzman has been an alumnus of the Ateneo from grade school all the way to college, a "True Blue Atenean."