acc Pays triBute to Joya,its first Grantee
What becomes a legend most? Modern master José Joya’s magnificent “Space Transfiguration (1959) found its match in the gorgeous home of Philip and Ching Cruz. The construction magnate confided that he “had never opened his home in such a way before” but agreed because it was for a very worthy cause, in aid of the Asian Cultural Council’s annual auction at León Gallery to raise funds to send Filipino artists abroad to pursue their art.
Indeed, the massive work is quite simply the National Artist’s most important work; and in the words of Ernest Escaler, chairman of the ACC, “the holy grail of Joyas.”
A handful of very select works dotted the Cruz’s residence: One of Ang Kiukok’s vibrant “Fish” works commanded the sweeping staircase; the “Tres Marias” — three women bearing three corpulent babies, symbols of prosperity — by Vicente Manansala animated the elegant foyer. In the black and white drawing room, there was a commanding Fernando Zobel, in
noir et blanc. An Anita Magsaysay-Ho of women winnowing, in greens and golds, accented the dining room.
Jaime Ponce de Leon personally planned the placement of each brilliant tableau — a superlative way to show off the wonderful works — not in the usual white space but in living areas where these pieces would eventually reside.
Guest of honor was Joya’s sister and staunchest supporter Josie Joya Baldovino. Mrs. Baldovino, a striking presence in her own right, shared anecdotes on the “Space Transfiguration” (yes, it was inspired by the NASA program) and why it missed being at the Venice Biennale of 1964.) She also donated a Joya pastel of the “View of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.”, in support of the ACC’s scholarship program. Joya, after all, was the first Filipino artist to receive an ACC grant in 1967.
First to enjoy the sights were the ACC board led by chairman Ernest Escaler, president Maribel Ongpin, treasurer Malu Gamboa-Lindo, and corporate secretary Alan Reyes and board members, Dr. Joven Cuanang, Liza Marcos, Ching Cruz, as well as Rajo Laurel. (Anton Mendoza, Josie Natori, Miho Walsh, and Mercedes Zobel were out of town; while Isabel Wilson was represented by her son Mark). Program director Teresa Rances was also part of the welcoming committee.