Aner Sebastian artist was born in December 1964 and grew up in Sta. Mesa, Manila as one of six siblings. Although his family had diverse interests, he developed a strong passion for both sports and visual arts. Early on, he recognized his abilities and used them to support his education.
Through athletic scholarships, he was able to continue his college studies. At the same time, he funded his schooling by taking on art-related projects. This balance between discipline and creativity shaped his work ethic and artistic direction.
Education and Artistic Foundation
Sebastian earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Painting, from the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST). During his academic training, he refined his technical skills and strengthened his visual language.
As his confidence grew, he actively participated in art competitions and exhibitions. Consequently, his artistic career gained momentum throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Exhibitions and Career Development
During this period, Aner Sebastian achieved recognition through a series of successful exhibitions and competitive art events. Gradually, his work reached international audiences, with exhibitions held across Europe, the United States, Canada, and Asia. As a result, he gained the confidence to pursue art as a full-time profession.
In 2005, he mounted his first solo exhibition, which marked a major milestone in his career. Because of its success, he continued to hold nearly annual solo shows. His 11th solo exhibition took place in 2019 at Joaquin Gallery, UP Town Plaza, further solidifying his presence in the contemporary art scene. Currently, he is preparing for his 12th solo exhibition, scheduled for later this year.
Teaching and Mentorship
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Aner Sebastian artist devoted significant time to education and mentorship. From 2005 to 2018, he taught at the FEATI School of Fine Arts, where he guided and mentored aspiring artists.
Through years of teaching, he helped shape the skills and careers of many students. Several of those he mentored have since established themselves as professional painters. In this way, his influence extends beyond his own body of work and into the broader Philippine art community.
Selected Awards and Recognition
- 2017 hon mention 1st Phil. Pastel association Art competition
- 2010 2nd place GSIS National painting competition, GSIS museum
- 2009 3rd place GSIS National painting competition. GSIS museum
- 2008 May 2nd place NCCA / AAP – SAIL PAINTING On the Spot painting-Competition , Kanlungan ng Sining , Manila
- 2006 1st PLACE Nature in Abstraction, Abstract Painting Competition
- AAP/ Exhibition Center for Contemporary Arts (ECCA)
- NCCA-AAP-Manila Yacht Club
- 2005 August Top 5 Winner 22nd- Gallery Genesis “ Kulay sa tubig” Watercolor Painting Competition, SM megamall Artwalk
- 2003 August Top 5 Winner 20th- Gallery Genesis “ Kulay sa Tubig” Watercolor Painting competition , SM megamall Artwalk
- June 1st Place Sports on canvas and Paper- Painting competition Philippine. Olympic Committee, AAP
- 2002 Jurors Choice Instituto Cervantes Spanish Embassy, MET Museum
- June 2nd Place Boracay Water Arts Festival Poster & Sail Design DENR Contest
- 2001 Sep 1st Place Gawad Ka Amado Foundation Poster Design
- July 1st Place DAR On the Spot Poster Design Contest
- 1999 Oct 1st Place Letras y Figuras/ Painting competition Spanish Embassy, Philam life Auditorium . UN Ave. Manila
- 1998 Oct 2nd Place AAP National Centennial Painting CompetitionGSIS Museum Pasay city.
- 2006 ARTIST OF THE YEAR / SATURDAY GROUP OF ARTIST
- 2003 OUTSTANDING ALUMNI / EARIST COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS ALUMNI FOUNDATION
