Continuing Rustan’s legacy of celebrating local talent at The Gallerie
This year marks the 70th Anniversary of Rustan’s. Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco, with the full support of her husband Bienvenido R. Tantoco, Sr., brought her vision to life of bringing the most luxurious and exciting brands to the Philippines—something that had never been done before.
Over the years, Rustan’s expanded the concept of fine taste and luxury within the local sphere through exclusive fashion, beauty, and home brands originating from all over the world. In the course of their mission of elevating Filipino lifestyles, they noticed that local artists at that time did not have proper venues and environments where they could master their craft; hence they established Galerie Bleue initially as a workshop.
It eventually transitioned to be a prominent gallery, strategically located inside Rustan’s. Since then, the group furthered its legacy by putting Filipino artistry at the forefront of its business, thereby cultivating a renewed passion and appreciation for the arts. The inception of Galerie Bleue in 1984 marked a new era in which Rustan’s earned a key role in raising awareness for Filipino talent all over the metro.
Indulge in more extraordinary experiences this anniversary month by witnessing the finest artistic displays of Filipino talent at the Rustan’s for the Arts exhibit on the 2nd Level, Gallerie, at Rutan’s Makati. Take home masterpieces from local artists, Markus Jentes, Thea Quiachon, Ian Sapang, and Pauline Luz Sotto.
Rustan’s for the Arts featured artists
Markus Jentes is a Manila-based contemporary artist known for his use of vibrant lines and shapes in subtle yet mesmerizing paintings. He initially developed a district style that blends sharp geometric minimalism with bold colors during his Fine Arts studies at Pepperdine University, California. In recent years, Markus’s approach to art slightly shifted towards abstract expressionism, wherein he uses a blend of acrylics, spray paints, and other mediums to create nature-inspired paintings.
Thea Quiachon is known for her figurative art. The Cavite-based talent focuses on stories about people’s intricate connections with one another. Through her work, she creates seemingly indistinct illustrations that hold meaning to her yet are open for the interpretation of the observer.
Ian Sapang is a self-taught artist whose works are abstract. He combines smoky strokes and defined textures to bring viewers to a place of trance and rediscovery. His inspiration draws from perceived emotions within an environment, thus creating masterpieces that would hopefully evoke the same passion and interest among his audience.
Paulina Luz Sotto is an abstract artist whose works follow the concept of “the beauty in simplicity”, as evidenced by her use of clean lines and bold colors. The Ateneo de Manila University alumni—who graduated Cum Laude in 2015—is the granddaughter of the late Philippine National Artist Arturo Luz. Today, she continues his legacy as a visionary of the arts.
A legacy of elevating Filipino lifestyle
A purveyor of high style and a staunch supporter of Philippine arts and culture, Rustan’s has, for decades, not only elevated Filipino design and craftsmanship to the upper ranks of luxury but has contributed greatly to the proliferation of new and more accessible ways in which Filipinos witness and appreciate art. Celebrate 70 years of the extraordinary with Rustan’s.
For more updates on Rustan’s for the Arts exhibit, head to @rustansph on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://rustans.com/
