Rustan’s, a leading brand in the Philippine market, offers a wide range of prestigious global and homegrown brands and upscale events to elevate the Filipino lifestyle. In line with this, Rustan’s for the Arts has been established to promote artistic and cultural endeavors in the country. This division aims to showcase local artists’ works in visual, music, dance, and theater arts, with an exhibit celebrating the legacy of national artist Arturo Luz, a key figure in Filipino neo-realism.
“Improvisations” presents some of the master’s most iconic works. The exhibit will be on the fourth floor of Rustan’s Makati and kick starts with a launch event on September 19, 2024. Arturo Luz’s granddaughter, artist Paulina Luz-Sotto, will be at the launch to speak about the collection on her grandfather’s behalf.
Luz once said that “his art is for all.” On this note, Rustan’s For The Arts is bringing one of the country’s most influential artists to the public.
Arturo Luz, honored as a National Artist for the Visual Arts in 1997, was a painter, sculptor, photographer, printmaker, designer, and one of the most influential voices in the neo-realist movement in the local art scene. His 60-year career also included museum directing (Metropolitan Museum of Manila and Museum of Philippine Art), art directing (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).
Educated in Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas and art schools in France and the United States, Luz 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.
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.
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.
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.
Experience and be inspired by the life and legacy of an iconic Filipino artist and fellow artists he has influenced at “Improvisations by Arturo Luz.”
Over the years, Rustan’s has helped nurture the local art scene through its countless exhibitions, collaborations with local artists, and sponsorship of cultural events. Through its efforts, Rustan 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/
