From court to canvas: Alex Eala inspires new 3D art exhibit

MANILA, Philippines — Every swing of the racket, every bounce of the ball, and every milestone in Alex Eala’s career has been followed closely by Filipino supporters, from tennis enthusiasts to casual fans.

And for one Filipino artist, the tennis star’s journey became the subject of his works.

In “Beyond the Court: A Tribute Exhibition to Alex Eala,” artist Erickson Abilgos has created a total of 13 artworks depicting the rise of the 21-year-old tennis sensation.

Over the course of six months, collector Carol Enriquez commissioned 3D artworks celebrating Eala’s excellence, dreams, and perseverance.

Why Alex?

The artist, who uses “GURU” as his pen name, emphasized the sense of pride Eala brings to Filipinos, regardless of which round she finishes.

“Kada may laban si Alex, kahit pa first round ‘yan, or finals, wala namang difference eh. Kasi si Alex, nire-represent niya 'yung Pilipino, kung paano tayo lumaban,” Abilgos said in an August 16 interview.

Amid current national issues, he said watching Eala compete provides a temporary escape for people across genders and age groups, likening her matches to those of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

"Just like Pacquiao, andoon 'yung tapang niya eh. Hindi mawawala 'yun eh. ‘Yung technique, ‘yung practice, lahat naman nagagawa 'yan. Pero dun mo makikita ‘yung passion niya," he said.

With Eala’s matches often taking place in the wee hours of the day, Abilgos said fans even wear their lack of sleep as a badge of honor.

“Payabangan pa nga kung sinong puyat eh. Kaya doon pala makikita mo 'yung effect niya. Talagang grabe. Kahit may trabaho the next day,” he added.

Filipino artist Erickson Abilgos with Alex Eala at her Taguig home in January, alongside a photo of Abilgos recalling their encounter on Aug. 16.

Erickson Abilgos; Philstar.com / Geraldine Santos

Beyond the court

The Filipino artist was fortunate enough to share his paintings with the tennis sensation at her Taguig home in January.

Despite the brief encounter, Abilgos said Eala’s humble and kind demeanor shone through, noting how it would be difficult not to idolize her.

“[Nung] nakita ko ‘yung ugali niya, mas lalo ko siyang na-idol because of that. Ang bait, napaka-humble,” he said.

Eala competed in the Philippines’ first WTA 125 tournament in January, bowing out in the quarterfinal round after being defeated by Camila Osorio, 4-6, 4-6.

“Ang iniisip ko nga noon, siguro sa isang place lang kami na nire-rent nila or something. Pero nagulat ako sa bahay nila mismo. Kaya, as in, medyo proud na binigyan ako ng time ng mag-ama,” Abilgos recounted.

His 3D style came from his brother’s advice to do something unique.

“'Pag gumawa ka, saan dapat ‘yung naiiba ka?… Bakit hindi ko iangat ‘yung subject? So parang 3D na ‘yung style natin. Sinumulan ko ng paunti-unti eh. Naging effective naman kasi tuwing may nakakakita, iba ‘tong style ko,” Abilgos said.

Filipino artist Erickson Abilgos’ 13 3D artworks depict Alex Eala’s rise in tennis.

Philstar.com / Geraldine Santos

A tribute to Alex

The artist has one message for the rising tennis star: Don’t change.

“Kung ano ka ngayon, continue lang. Kasi hindi na namin pwedeng sabihin, magpagaling ka pa. Alam namin gagawin mo ‘yun eh,” Abilgos said.

He also has advice for Eala’s critics: Watch her and her interviews.

“Doon palang malalaman mo, ibang klaseng Pilipina to,” Abilgos added.

The art exhibit “Beyond the Court: A Tribute Exhibition to Alex Eala” is on display at Life ’n Art Gallery in Ayala Malls Solenad 3 Nuvali until September 2, with free admission.

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