CONTINUING A LEGACY
RUSTAN’S FOR THE ARTS 2019 is a well-curated showcase of two
distinct generations of a name celebrated by the art community
Rustan’s is no stranger to the Filipino art scene. Having supported a multitude of talents and actively participating in many cultural movements, Rustan’s, in its perpetual pursuit of excellence, has never failed in showcasing local ingenuity, creative technique, and impeccable craftsmanship. From the creation of Gliceria Tantoco’s “Galerie Bleue” in 1984 to the support given to various initiatives by Cultural Center of
the Philippines (CCP) as well as several international tours of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the family-owned corporation has come a long way in instilling national pride and promoting cultural awareness.
As such, many Filipino artists have been given opportunities to develop their skills and further their careers in the country. Rustan’s was instrumental in the artistic applications of Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera’s masterpieces to essential home pieces. They were also
involved with the promotion of the works of celebrated artists Al Perez and Paulina Luz Sotto.
It should come as no surprise that Rustan’s brings back Paulina Luz Sotto by unveiling her latest creations in a partnership with her grandfather, National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz. This year, Rustan’s For The Arts displayed the two artists’ pieces at the 3rd floor of Shangri-La Plaza Mall from March 26 to April 30, 2019. the collection is now available for viewing at the 5th level of Rustan’s Makati and there up to May 3 to 15, 2019.
EXQUISITE AND EFFORTLESS
In spite of her being related to the National Artist, Paulina never thought of pursuing an art career. Graduated cum laude with a degree in Communication from the Ateneo de Manila University, she was able to enhance and further the talent she inherited from her grandfather. It’s been three years since she started painting professionally, but she already has a distinct style—each brushstroke is a dramatic addition to a beautifully-written story applied on the canvas.
From the time she was 24, she has been receiving accolades from art aficionados—proving that she can create a name for herself. With the number of paintings she’s sold and shows she’s participated in, it seems like Paulina has done so much in just a short span of time. However, the young artist shows no signs of stopping any time soon, and that’s just the way we want it.
THE CREATIVE GENIUS
Everyone knows of Arturo Luz’s skill and talent, the multifaceted innovator is a printmaker, sculptor, designer, and a pioneer of the modern Neo-Realist school of Philippine art. With influences from Modernist painters like Paul Klee, he is a master in utilizing different techniques to manipulate and transform shapes and figures to create magnificent pieces of art.
Receiving his formal education from the University of Santo Tomas’ School of Fine Arts, Brooklyn Museum’s Art School in New York, and the Academie Grade Chaumiere in Paris, the well-decorated artist was also the founding director of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila from 1976-1986.
He was named National Artist for Visual Arts in 1997—a title he earned for promoting Philippine art through his impressive portfolio and notable participation in international exhibitions such as the Philippine Cultural Exhibition in New York in 1953, Arte de America y España in 1963, the 11th São Paulo Biennial in 1971, the Tokyo International Print Biennial in 1974, and the 8th British International Print Biennale in 1984.