Si Dottie at si Robert
Colored Pencils and Pencils, exhibit work, 2025
Lapis, papel, at karton—laging may nabubuo si Kuya Robert mula rito.
Itinanim niya ang pag-asa na kahit anumang pagkatalo’t pagsubok ang ating maranasan, may magagawa pa rin tayong mabuti’t maganda.
Sa art ay puwede tayong muling magsimula, kahit sa iisang dot o tuldok man lang. Maaari nating punuin ang buong pahina; kahit mapudpod ang lapis, o di kaya’y madiinan at marumihan ang ating iginuhit; puwede tayong magbura…upang muling numingning ang mga bituin sa madilim na gabi.
—Si Dottie at si Robert, for Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan‘s annual exhibit Guhit, Bulilit, Guhit: Buhay na Pag-ibig ni Kuya Robert, a tribute to Kuya Robert Alejandro, with Museo Pambata and ATD Fourth World Philippines
Years ago, I found out about how Kuya Robert would volunteer at ATD Fourth World Philippines, and I was inspired since then with what he did for the kids in the communities they served. I wanted to grow up and be like him who was so generous with his art, care, encouragements, words, and time.
Then at a talk he had with MAGIS Creative Spaces at MoCAF 2022, I recall how, in tears, he shared how he loved and missed teaching art to the kids in the cemeteries.
Dottie, the little girl in the illustration, represents us, especially the ATD kids and families, who have been inspired by Kuya Robert. Dottie also symbolizes the dot where any artwork can begin.
No matter the losses and heartbreaks, art lets us start over or keep going. I resonated with him with how art is his savior. Even if resources are low or we only have simple materials, may magagawa pa rin! So I just used pencils and the primary colors red, blue, and yellow. Kuya Robert used his imagination to show us that we can create something with just the simplest of things!
Even if he isn’t here anymore physically, his heart, the lessons he taught us, and the gift of creation he shared (that everyone, every child, is an artist!) make us feel that he’s here, watching over us like a warm and gentle star, familiar and reassuring.