“HAPAG ng Pag-asa” and other works of the late religious artist Joey Velasco are on exhibit at Museo de Santo Domingo in Quezon City until April 24.The exhibit “Beyond Life” seeks to help Catholics this Lent to “meditate on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ through the paintings,” said Fr. Giuseppe Arsciwals, OP, prior of the Sto. Domingo Convent.
Quoting Velasco’s wife Queenie, Father Arciwals said the exhibit was so titled “[because] Joey has left this world but he continues to live through his paintings.”
Velasco, who died last year, was noted for his paintings and other artworks that combine Christianity and social realism.
“Hapag ng Pag-asa” is Velasco’s version of the Last Supper on a 4x8-ft canvas. It depicts Christ breaking bread with Filipino street-children. Models for the children were street urchins who have since been rehabilitated.
Also on exhibit is “Hele,” which shows Christ with special children.
Velasco’s affection for the young people is displayed in “Munting Sereneo,” in which three children help the suffering Christ carry the Cross.
