Botong paintings, truly Filipino, brought back to life

This is in reference to Asuncion David Maramba’s March 7 commentary titled “The dark-skinned child who loved to draw.”

What a beautiful, touching article about Botong! Truth to tell, Botong has always been my idol. “Pinoy na pinoy talaga ang kanyang mga paintings! (Indeed, his paintings truly reflect the Filipino soul.) His anatomical renditions, his general composition, his colors!”

Tragically, many of the paintings have lost their original brilliance. Could it be the exposure to dust? To sunlight? Many of the paintings look “washed out.” Some of the canvases have cracks. Unfortunately, some of the owners may not know how to conserve oil paintings.

We would like to thank Professor Maramba for her beautifully written article. Somehow, she brought Botong and his paintings back to life. I agree with her: Ayala Museum deserves credit for putting the masterpieces together.

—CHELOY DANS,

danshaus@gmail.com