The country’s leading luxury retailer celebrates the work of the acclaimed artist with a unique gift collection that features some of her most memorable images
There is a lot to be said about the work of Anita Magsaysay-Ho, one of the country’s most prominent 20th century artists and the only woman among the famed Thirteen Moderns who helped shape contemporary art in the Philippines.
Mentored in her youth by no less than the legendary Fernando Amorsolo, Magsaysay-Ho’s own style evolved into a uniquely modern one somewhat influenced by Picasso’s Cubism but with a distinctively feminine nuance and a decidedly Filipino flavour. Indeed, this acclaimed artist is best known for her depictions of Filipino women clad in traditional garb whilst working on a number of tasks. Her use of colour and the female form in her work enabled her to show a more human side to the Social Realism genre: one that features the strength, beauty, tenacity, and resilience of the working Filipino woman.
Magsaysay-Ho was once quoted as saying that “art should be for everyone.” Thus, in time for the Holiday Season, Rustan’s is unveiling a new collection of home accents and objets d’art featuring some of the most iconic images of the artist’s work.
Titled Offerings, the new collection reproduces Magsaysay-Ho’s iconic images of local life and culture on an exquisite array of items. These range from limited edition ceramic plates from Bernardaud featuring images painted by the artist during her years in Tokyo; to exquisitely embroidered cushion covers and napkins; to beautifully embellished boxes for jewellery and other mementoes. There are also giclée reproductions of selected masterworks on paper, along with themed stationery and Christmas cards for those who wish to send a gift of art to loved ones far away.
This Rustan’s for the Arts collection is the latest in Rustan’s line of exceptional products inspired by the work of some of the Philippines’ most respected artists. Previous collections have featured the art of Maestro Fernando Amorsolo; National Artists Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera and Arturo Luz; Paulina Luz Sotto, and Al Perez. This is in keeping with the way its founders, Bienvenido and Gliceria Tantoco, have championed Philippine arts and culture throughout several decades, as well as the company’s continued emphasis on presenting the best of Philippine products to the world.
The collection is set to be launched on Wednesday, 20th November 2019, on the 4th floor of Rustan’s Makati. This Rustan’s for the Arts collection will also be available at Rustan’s branches at the Alabang Town Centre, Gateway Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, and in Cebu. Proceeds from the sale of items in the collection will benefit the Anita Magsaysay-Ho Foundation which offers scholarships to deserving young talents and also supports organisations promoting arts and culture.
For more information, visit rustans.com or follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts at @rustansph.
