Bohol artist Elvin Vitor wins Italy's Leonardo Da Vinci International Prize with his hyperrealistic, surrealist painting
A visual artist from Bohol will receive the esteemed Leonardo Da Vinci International Prize in Milan, Italy this April for his hyperrealistic painting that not only looks picture-perfect but also champions local culture.
Elvin Vitor of Baclayan municipality will be awarded in person on April 13 at the National Museum of Science and Technology.
Vitor, a 29-year-old full-time artist, made a 53- by 89-inch portrait of fellow Boholano artist Pedro Angco, who’s also an environmentalist. The portrait depicted intricate details of his skin, facial hair, and tattoos even as it showed dream-like, colorful details.
Founded in 1975, the Leonardo Da Vinci International Prize, which was named after the Renaissance figure, recognizes achievements in the disciplines of science, technology, art, and literature.
Artistic roots
In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, Vitor recalled seeing his father, a teacher, who was preparing visual aids for class when he was a kid. It piqued his curiosity and asked what kind of profession it was, to which he was told that it was for artists, who then should take up fine arts.
Since then, Vito became firm on what he wanted to become, indicating “artist” in his elementary and high school yearbook.
He graduated with an advertising arts degree from the University of Bohol in 2018, though was already taking his stab at painting years ago and selling them in malls.
Bullying, nearsightedness
What made Vitor further embrace the arts was his bittersweet experience of getting bullied. Noting that he did not have many friends to be with, he would turn to drawing to cope with his situation.
He also grew up struggling with nearsightedness. His vision was measured at around 400 and 300 in Grade 2, and it currently sits at around 1,700 and 1,500.
But this didn't stop the young Boholano from pursuing the arts. He began exploring hyperrealism with a touch of surrealism in his works over the past few years, participating in international exhibitions.
Until recently, his perseverance finally paid off when the National Museum of Science and Technology’s curator asked him to submit his work.
Promote Boholano, Filipino identity
To this day, Vitor is still in disbelief that he won the award. In any case, it’s just a cherry on top, as his focus is to promote the Filipino identity whatever it takes.
“I want to show the world that there’s a living representation of our culture through my paintings,” he said. “I want to immortalize them.”
Vitor also urged fellow Boholano artists, especially the younger ones, to do the same.
“It’s really important to include Boholano culture in my masterpieces. It is our identity because if you don’t value it, you are not grateful,” he said. “Makikita mo talaga ang kaibahan ng painting ng (ibang bansa).”
Vitor may have won a prestigious award, but he felt that there lies a bigger goal ahead.
“I am not after the fame,” he told L!fe. “Fame is temporary, but legacy is forever and will be recognized by generations to come.”
Though Vitor is getting several praises, he attributes his recent feat to his faith.
“I’m only God’s steward,” he said. “With the talent (He gave me), I must develop it… and do a noble act with it.”
"It’s my honor to represent Bohol on the international scene," he added. "It’s a great responsibility. Sino ba naman ako."