Saudi Ahmad: The Next National Artist for Visual Arts

The three hour trip from Zamboanga City to Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay is a mean feat for all who dread long road trips and unpaved roads. But the chips and conversation kept us awake in along the rustic scenery that surrounds us. Comments like this wuld be a good place to put up a hospital or a spa. A scenic area overlooking the Sulu sea would be a perfect place to build a house that would rival any in Tagaytay for scenery alone. But reality bites once in awhile as check points dotted the road. But the slow pace of life evident by the people walking along the road surprised to see a car passing by at that time of day.

We reached Ipil a quarter past noon and ate at the old reliable Jolibee. Its presence is actually a measure of an areas economic progressiveness. After the Abu Sayaff razed the town to the ground by burning it, the town like a phoenix has risen from the ashes. We asked the waitress, what else can we see in the town. She made a low smirk and admitted that there isn't any tourist attraction in town. She might have wondered why of all places are tourists going to the place. She suggested to look for the ostrich.

We did look for the ostrich. There were three ostrich kept in a cage in the towns main intersection near a gasoline station. But instead of wonderment, we felt pity for the birds placed on display in the middle of the city with their feathers withering and skin blackened by the pollution of passing vehicles. It was not a pretty site to see.

Then the adventure began, we remembered the legends of Saudi Ahmad. a legendary painter from the old capital of Zamboanga Sibugay, Kabasalan. He was the most famous of all the visual artist in Mindanao. I attended his exhibit once at Fort Pillar and was amazed by the detail of his works. One of the doctors relate how he would give one of his paintings in exchange for treatments. His large works are owned by prominent bussinessmen and one hang at the National Museum. He seems elusive from all the stories we heard of him. Preferring to work alone.

So we decided to look for the elusive Saudi Ahmad. But he was not that elusive after all because he is so famous in his town that from the mouth of the river as we crossed the bridge, we asked for directions to his house and everyone gladly showed us the way.

One would never miss the house. Its achitecture was designed by Saudi made of mangroove wood. The traditional muslim roof tops the house. While the windows have no lkshutters rather are made of wooden railings to let in the air. It was an artists house indeed. We asked the lady who turned out to be his wife if we could meet the famous Saudi Ahmad and see his gallery.

A few minutes later, a man in gray shirt wearing a cap came and introduced himself. Here was a great artist who waas welcoming us, practically strangers. He began talking about his art. He was so glad that we came to see him. He said he appreciates it more if his audience visits him to see how he works. He was we were too late because a week ago there were visitors who came and bought his works.

A little prodding though he said he just finished two pieces and he would gladly show them to us. He said he will be turning the second floor of his house into a gallery. And he showed us the only masterpiece left in his house. His works are all over the world, having done exhibitions in capitals including New York. Details of the work are featured on top of this post. He said he will never part with it no matter how much is paid for it.

The painting depicts the muslim community scene. With detailed costumes and landscape. It was difficult to take a picture of the whole scene because of the reflection of light. He showed us the two recent pieces he finished. One is a mother who is breastfeeding and the other a father teaching his child to play the flute. He showed us photographs of his old works and we were awed by the beauty and intricateness of his creations.

He talked profusely about his works. Like he was suddenly excited that there are people interested in his works. He called his style subtraction. He commented he was the original dagdag bawas originator. He painted a tree trunk with brown and green. After wards, he started taking off the paint using the brush and with such grace and talent, the curves made a striking intricate detail on the trees that is characteristic of his works.

It is difficult now to get a finished work and make and exhibition. His works get sold even before they are not finished. He is up for the honor of the next National Artist for visual arts. And I believe he deserves to be. His works are original and patriotic at the same time.

Who says artist are elusive. Mr. Ahmad is truly an srtist in every sense. He sold to us the two new paintings. Invited us to his exhibit at the Metropolitan museum in Manila. Except for the large painting he refused to sell, there are no other paintings left in his house. That is a mark of truly successful and great artist.