Why this avocado artwork is one of Joey de Leon's most prized possessions

Veteran comedian Joey de Leon is known for his love for artworks.

The Eat Bulaga host, over the years, has amassed a large number of art pieces created by some of the biggest names in the local art scene.

His passion for artwork is evident in his home, where every wall and corner are adorned by colorful (and expensive) paintings.

Yesterday, October 28, Joey playfully posted a photo of himself on Instagram holding a basket of large avocados.

He wrote in the caption: “Alam nyo bang mas MAHAL yung avocado sa pader? Eat Bulaga na!”

The funnyman was alluding to a painting of avocados hanging from the wall on his left side.

The painting apparently is not just any ordinary artwork. Instead, the avocado painting showed off by Joey is an Ang Kiukok creation.

Ang Kiukok was a respected Filipino painter praised for his expressive, Cubist-like works. He died on May 9, 2005.

Joey is a big fan of the late artist, citing Ang Kiukok as his favorite painter.

It was reported in a 2009 newspaper article that Joey had around 200 Ang Kiukok paintings.

It's probably safe to assume that he owns more than that number today.

Prices of an Ang Kiukok painting can fetch from $307 (around P15,000) to $1,319,476 (roughly P64 million) according to the art information website, MutualArt.

Joey's love of art has also turned him into a painter. He puts this interest to good use during the lockdown, creating his own paintings laced with a humorous touch.