Jose Joya: Artist, Scholar, Mentor

At the prime of his career as an artist, Joya was hailed as “prophet avatar of Expressionism,” “exponent of pure painting,” and “pillar of Philippine art.” He was the Filipino painter. The eminent art critic Leo Benesa once chronicled, in the mid-60s, Philippine painting was a Joya painting.

Joya, without doubt, is a household name in Philippine art, the way Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo might have enjoyed the distinction during their times.

The exhibit, in retrospect, presents the many avenues that Joya trekked to express his convictions and experiences as an artist, mentor and scholar.