A masterstroke in London: Darby Alcoseba makes Filipino art history at London Art Biennale

In a monumental feat that brings honor not only to Cebu but to the entire nation, Darby Alcoseba has made history as the first male Filipino artist to receive the prestigious Chianciano Art Museum Award at the 2025 London Art Biennale — one of the world’s most distinguished showcases of contemporary art.

Held at the iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall in London, the United Kingdom, this year’s event featured nearly 11,000 artworks from over 60 countries, making Alcoseba’s victory a true testament to the world-class caliber of Filipino talent.

With this win, Alcoseba’s award-winning piece will now become part of the Chianciano Biennale exhibition in Tuscany, Italy, in 2026 — an event that draws the eyes of critics, collectors and connoisseurs across Europe and beyond.

“Out of 11,000 entries across the globe, 60 nations and 350 artists, I am deeply honored to be one of the few recognized,” Darby shared. “Next year, to Tuscany, Italy — where new chapters will bloom in color and light.”

The rise of a reluctant visionary

Alcoseba’s journey into the world of fine art was not a straight line — it was a leap of faith.

Born on 26 June 1983 in Cebu City, Alcoseba came from a family whose name is already etched into Cebuano art history. His father, Tony, was a student of Martino Abellana, revered as the “Dean of Cebuano Painters.” Despite this artistic lineage, Darby initially pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, treating art as a side hustle to pay for tuition and daily expenses.

“I never really saw myself becoming an artist at first,” he admitted. “It was just something I did on the side. But over time, I started to fall in love with the process — how you could tell a story through color, light and texture. Eventually, I made the decision to pursue art full-time. It was scary, but it felt right.”

After working for over two years as a graphic designer specializing in three-dimensional static rendering, Darby left the corporate world to embrace his passion. And from there, he never looked back.

Local champion turned global force

Alcoseba’s artistic evolution is both meteoric and methodical. He is one of the rare few inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Art Petron National Painting Competition — an honor reserved for artists who win multiple times. He also bagged top honors at the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) competition, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated visual artists in the country.

International recognition soon followed. In 2024, his evocative portrait titled “Anya” was named a finalist at the Art Renewal Center (ARC) — a fiercely competitive global contest that attracts the world’s best realist painters.

Yet, it is this recent London triumph that has firmly established Darby as an ambassador of Philippine contemporary art in the world stage.

Grounded in humility, driven by passion

Despite his growing international acclaim, Alcoseba remains deeply grounded. In his personal reflection following the win, he credited his journey to perseverance, family and an unwavering faith in his craft.

“My career didn’t start with instant success,” he shared. “I was just an average student who loved drawing. The schooling years of my life were tough. But I always believed that if you keep working and learning, good things will happen.”

Indeed, Alcoseba remains committed to expanding his horizons — expressing plans to study under global masters, explore new styles and bring back these learnings to further elevate Filipino art.

Painting a future in full color

As he prepares for the Chianciano Biennale in Tuscany next year, Alcoseba sees the opportunity not just as personal triumph, but a platform for his fellow artists.

“Winning this award is not just for me,” he said. “It’s for every Filipino artist who dreams of making it on the global stage. Our stories, our visions, our colors — they belong in the world’s great museums, too.”

With each brushstroke, Alcoseba proves that Filipino artistry is not just surviving — it is thriving, winning and inspiring across continents.

Congratulations, Darby! You didn’t just win an award — you raised the bar for a nation.