Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado, born in 1944, stands as a distinguished luminary among the Philippines’ foremost visual artists, particularly celebrated for his mastery of fine printmaking. His illustrious career not only showcases his artistic prowess but also underscores his profound commitment to nurturing emerging talents and championing the advancement of fine print artistry within his homeland.

Aviado’s influence extended to the upper echelons of the Philippine art scene, as he assumed the mantle of leadership as President of the Art Association of the Philippines. Additionally, his directorship at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Visual Arts Coordinating Center broadened his reach, enabling him to advocate for the global recognition and propagation of contemporary Filipino art. As part of this mission, he facilitated the establishment of permanent workshops across the nation, ensuring the perpetuation of artistry at the grassroots level.

Aviado’s ascent to artistic prominence commenced with his debut solo exhibition at the revered Luz Gallery in 1967, an event that reverberated with critical acclaim and opened the doors to a transformative study grant bestowed upon him by the esteemed art patron, Fernando Zobel. This grant served as a passport to the hallowed ateliers of Madrid and Paris, where Aviado honed his craft under the tutelage of master printmakers and immersed himself in the rich tapestry of European artistry. During this period, he also contributed as a painter at the Taller DOJ and embarked on the endeavor of etching modern Spanish artists’ creations.

Subsequently, Aviado relocated to Paris, where he further enriched his artistic repertoire through immersive experiences at Le Plannage and the Edition Empreinte. The fruits of his labor were exhibited across Europe, the United States, and Asia, amassing accolades and admiration. Notably, two seminal exhibitions were dedicated to Aviado’s oeuvre—namely, “Autoretrato: Selected Graphic Works, 1950-1990,” held at the Ateneo Art Gallery in 2004, and “Graven Images: 1964-2014,” showcased at the Ayala Museum in 2014. These exhibitions served as tributes to his enduring artistic journey, encapsulating his profound impact on the global art sphere.

In essence, Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado’s legacy resides in his unwavering commitment to the fine art of printmaking, his mentorship of emerging talents, and his indomitable efforts to elevate the stature of contemporary Philippine artistry, a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.