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24 July 2025
Two exhibitions curated by Benilde faculty member and artist Eleazar Abraham “Abe” L. Orobia gave students and alumni from the traditional arts organization ARTELIER a rare chance to share their work with the public, outside the classroom and inside professional galleries.
Abe is a multi-awarded artist, educator, and cultural advocate. He teaches at Benilde and was honored as one of The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) in 2021 for his work in education, arts, and culture. A graduate of Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas, Abe has exhibited in major institutions, led workshops at Ayala Museum, and created public murals like the Basi Revolt bas relief in Ilocos Sur. His art often explores themes of identity, mental health, and environmental care, using symbolic storytelling and sustainable materials.
The first show, titled Symbiosis, ran from November 9 to 23, 2024 at J Studio in Makati. It explored how people and nature are always connected through shared spaces, mutual care, and the way everything depends on something else to survive. Abe invited his mentees to create pieces that used symbols and metaphors to tell stories about the environment, using materials that were thoughtful and sustainable. Artists included Alex Pandaraoan, Anjew, Cydney Shanelle, Daphne Co, Jessa Desolac, Kirsten Dava, Mikhayla Harlea, and Roren Sy.
The second exhibition, Oubaitori, was held at Nami Art Gallery in White Plains from June 2 to 17, 2025. The title comes from a Japanese idea that says we all grow and bloom at our own pace. Abe’s goal was to give his students, not just current members of ARTELIER but also alumni, a space to share their personal stories through art. The show featured works by Mary Joy Buenaventura Go, Kirsten Dava, Daphne Co, Bastee Orobia, Cydney Shanelle, and Abe himself. The opening reception on June 7 brought together mentors, friends, and guests from the art community.
“I may not be a father, but I feel like one,” Abe shared in a post after the opening. “I see myself as someone tending a garden, a community of people who are eager to share, grow, and learn together.”
During the reception, Abe reminded his mentees that growth takes time. “They must nurture it with passion, discipline and hard work,” he said. “Art career is a slow grind and a marathon of sorts. I am simply a guide.”
For Abe, organizing these exhibitions wasn’t about selling art or chasing recognition. It was about helping young artists find their voice and giving them a chance to be seen and heard. He worked closely with gallery partners to make it happen and leaned on fellow mentors and friends to support the students throughout the process.
Events like Symbiosis and Oubaitori show how Benilde faculty members bring more than just lessons into the classroom. Mentors like Abe Orobia are not only educators. They are respected artists, curators, and cultural advocates who continue to shape the creative industry. By involving students in real exhibitions, they create opportunities that go beyond schoolwork. Whether it’s through gallery shows, artist talks, or collaborative projects, these experiences help students build confidence, find their voice, and connect with the world outside.
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