Born in December 1964, Aner Sebastian grew up in Sta. Mesa, Manila as one of six siblings. While his family had diverse interests, he was the only one with a deep passion for both sports and visual arts. Leveraging his talents, he earned athletic scholarships that helped him navigate his way through college, while also supporting his education through income from art projects.
Sebastian earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Painting, from the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST). His artistic career took off in the 1980s and 1990s, marked by a string of successful art competitions and exhibitions. His recognition expanded internationally, with exhibitions in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Asia, gradually building the confidence to pursue art full-time.
In 2005, Sebastian held his first solo exhibition, a success that led to nearly annual solo shows. His most recent, the 11th, took place in 2019 at the Joaquin Gallery in UP Town Plaza. He is now preparing for his 12th solo exhibition later this year.
Beyond his own artistic pursuits, Sebastian was also a dedicated educator. From 2005 to 2018, he taught at the FEATI School of Fine Arts, mentoring numerous students who have since gone on to establish their own careers in painting.