True Identity

Visual artist Victor Secuya’s oeuvre represents an endless journey to finding the true self, depicted through cultural impressions and motifs. “True Identity”, as the artist titles it, is a culmination of Secuya’s deepest subconscious – ever-questioning, and eventually unpacking, the authenticity of his true nature as a creative. “For years I’ve been trying all sorts of methods, styles, and directions. Gradually, the universe revealed the shadow of my true self, my true identity as a painter,” Secuya narrates.

His inner dialogues from his respected career as a passionate artist slowly yet steadily reached a pivotal mark, creating a complex vocabulary of deep hues, defined patterns, and new perspectives. Further, his spiritual enlightenment gained him a clearer mindset on his stride to the ever-changing course of life, now equipped with a greater landscape of his soul. Viewers see this through a visual odyssey that mirrors concepts found in South African culture, in which his sojourn deeply resonated with his philosophy and vision.

With these in mind, Secuya poses a hopeful question to himself: “Where do I go from here?” Yet this time, the artist knows the answer. “To be faithful to my true identity,” Secuya states.

Victor Cabuga Secuya (b. 1957) is a reclusive personality often misunderstood because of the directness in his people engagements and not-so-rare piercing interrogations that can force one into uncomfortable self-reflection. His former students of Humanities and Philosophy named him a terror; but for those who know him up close and personal, he is a warm guru who desires that every person be the best of himself. He values self-discipline, and while he loves being with people, he treasures solitude and being alone in his studio the most.

Secuya grew up in the seminary and in his teens became enamored by the quiet and simple lifestyle of the Buddhists, Taoists, and Trappist monks. Through the years, the artist honed his craft like a monk in the monastery. In silence and solitude, he embraced his art tightly and completely for the past 40 years.

“True Identity” by Victor Secuya will be on view from November 25 – December 6, 2023 at Galleria Nicolas Alabang Town Center with an Opening Reception on November 25, Saturday at 5 PM. Galleria Nicolas Alabang Town Center is located at the Ground Floor Entrance, Alabang Town Center, Alabang-Zapote Rd., Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For inquiries, contact +639176436282 or email gallerianicolasatc@gmail.com.