By Stylish Team
Rustan’s for the Arts, a division of Rustan’s that promotes artistic and cultural endeavors in the Philippines, has once again celebrated the country’s national identity through the arts. This time, it is by putting the spotlight on national artist Arturo Luz.
A key figure in Filipino neo-realism, Arturo Luz was honored as a National Artist for the Visual Arts in 1997. He was a painter, sculptor, photographer, printmaker, and designer.
His 60-year career also included museum directing for Metropolitan Museum of Manila and Museum of Philippine Art, art directing for Design Center of the Philippines), and founding a museum: The Luz Gallery, known for featuring works of acclaimed local modernist artists like Joya, Sanso, Bencab, and himself. He was one of the most influential voices in the neo-realist movement in the local art scene.
Today, Luz’s works are among the most sought-after by art collectors. He is also considered a driving force in helping forge a distinct Filipino modern art; his influence is visible in many local art institutions. “Improvisations by Arturo Luz” illustrates this perfectly.
Improvisations by Arturo Luz
Rustan’s for the Arts has presented an exhibit titled “Improvisations by Arturo Luz” in honor of the artist.
The “Improvisations” exhibits features some of the master’s most iconic works, as showcased on the fourth floor of Rustan’s Makati. Arturo Luz’s granddaughter, artist Paulina Luz-Sotto, was at the launch event recently to talk about the collection on her grandfather’s behalf.
Luz once said that “his art is for all.”
This spirit is palpable in Luz’s notable works, such as “The Cyclist” series, which features abstracted representations of cyclists in motion; “Carnival Forms”, which features geometric depictions of performers and scenes of celebration; and the “Anito” series, minimalist sculptures representing traditional Filipino ancestral figures.
Educated in Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas and art schools in France and the United States, the national artist made his mark for his brand of neo-realism that used minimalist aesthetics, simple geometric shapes, monochromatic hues, and interplays of lines, shapes, and textures to depict the realities of Filipino life. His art also offers a screenshot of the zeitgeist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a cultural, intellectual, and artistic desire to deviate from realist and classical conventions.
Throughout his career, Luz’s works have been celebrated locally and abroad. They have been exhibited in prestigious events, like the Philippine Cultural Exhibition in New York in 1953, Arte de America y Espana in 1963, the 11th Sao Paolo Biennial in 1971, the Tokyo International Print Biennial in 1974, the 8th British International Print in 1984, among others.
Seeing the arts as a shaper of national identity, Rustan’s for the Arts offers a platform for local artists to showcase their works, be it in the visual, music, dance, or theater arts. Over the years, Rustan’s has helped nurture the local art scene through its countless art exhibitions, collaborations with local artists, and sponsorship of cultural events. Through its efforts, Rustan’s aims to help preserve and promote Filipino culture, a statement of the brand’s broader philosophy of emphasizing quality, luxury, and respect for heritage.
For more updates on Rustan’s for the Arts exhibit, head to @rustansph on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://rustans.com.
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