Albert Avellana: The man who put up a living ‘bahay’ for the creative spirit
The man, the mustache, a floating smile headed toward you during art fairs and exhibitions. The man—gallerist Albert Avellana, the founder of Avellana Art Gallery and former president of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines—and that smile may be gone now, but he carved for himself a place in the hearts of his friends, family and the many artists he nurtured, as well as in the art scene he helped define.
Albert’s sister-in-law, lawyer and co-author of a book of poetry Teri Leviste-Avellana, remembers him simply as “Tito Bents.”
“Albert may have been the youngest of the siblings but he certainly was the go-to man of the family—be it for petty squabbles that needed mediating, artistic counselling for personal projects and major events, or just general life hacks. He had the gift of wisdom, a keen foresight, and quick creative solutions to seemingly difficult concerns.”
When Teri’s son (Albert’s baptismal godson) and his then bride-to-be first approached Tito Bents in his gallery inside the offbeat, art-centric F.B. Harrison compound for help in their wedding planning, Albert briefly summarized what needed to be addressed. Then he asked the bride, “Do you have someone to make your gown for you?” When he got a no, he told the girl to go with him next door to his friend’s atelier.
“And Jojie Lloren became the couturier for most of the entourage,” shares Teri. Albert was always a man for others. He also lived and breathed art. “If you have been to Albert’s home—the family clubhouse that he called ‘a nuthouse’—you’ll see his creative passion. His thinking-outside-the-box is best exemplified by how he always found something useful or artistic to do with what the rest of us would normally discard.”
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This happens when a person passes away. We remember his beginnings, his journey and progress, his achievements, the opportunities, the luck, the possibilities that went his way.
In one of his interviews, he referred to his gallery as a “living, evolving space for the creative spirit.”
Teri explains, “Albert gave artists from places outside the metropolis the necessary kickstart to be recognized beyond their provincial enclaves. (The artist) Allain Hablo would understand what I am talking about. Albert embraced the artists, welcomed them into his gallery as ‘his children’ whose professional head-start he so sincerely labored for even without profitable returns to him. He exemplified the loftier option to promote the arts rather than sell art. And he always emphasized what was genuinely and culturally Filipino, preserving the character and integrity of the objects of art.”
This year’s Art Fair Philippines, which goes back to its Link carpark HQ, has a special tribute exhibition to Albert (alongside fellow gallerist Norma Liongoren) and his contribution to Philippine art.
It’s all about circles, describes Teri, coming full circle.
“This happens when a person passes away. We remember his beginnings, his journey and progress, his achievements, the opportunities, the luck, the possibilities that went his way. We remember his passions—how should I describe it in vivid terms? It’s the ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ of his life; check out Pandy Aviado’s artwork at the Art Fair (tribute exhibit)," he said. Eighteen artists will participate in this special show for their patron, mentor and all-around good friend.
Teri vows to continue Albert’s legacy in making Avellana Art Gallery a living “bahay” for the creative spirit.
“At the gallery, we have mounted a 40x30-inch picture of Albert in his favorite red T-shirt against the backdrop of a red Allan Cosio painting. It hangs by the patio where we intend to hold monthly interactions with artists who wish to come by for hot meals, the comfort of fellow artists, and conversations for the spirit. ‘Albert’ will stand witness to how his family will bring a fresh spin to his lofty vision for the arts.”
The picture shows the man, the mustache, a glass of wine in hand, a stretch of red infinity behind him. That red could mean energy, passion, drama, art, or something else entirely ineffable.
But clearly this is how we will remember Albert Avellana.
Forever the patron by the patio.
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For information, visit the Art Fair Philippines website and follow Art Fair Philippines on Instagram and Facebook.
Art Fair Philippines 2023 is co-presented by AyalaLand, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Globe Platinum, with a special project partner Don Papa Rum. The fair is also sponsored by Rizome. Its official hotel partners are Fairmont and Raffles Makati, and Holiday Inn and Suites. The Philippine STAR is a media partner of Art Fair Philippines.
