There’s a national artist on my dress!

MANILA, Philippines — If I can’t own a Kiukok, now I can wear one. Thank goodness for Freeway, the fashion brand that has been reproducing the works of topnotch Filipino artists on shift dresses, tops, skirts, even pants.

Since 2009, the brand promotes fashionalism by showcasing the works of our National Artists, in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

In celebration of the CCP’s 50th anniversary, Freeway’s 2019 collection pays tribute to 10 visual artists: Ang Kiukok, Vicente Manansala, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Arturo Luz, Cesar Legaspi, Hernando Ruiz Ocampo, Mauro Malang Santos, Evelyn Collantes, Angelito David and Cid Reyes, who have made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of the country.

Ang Kiukok is known for his violent Cubist paintings, and made some of his gruesome paintings during the Marcos regime. He often chose disturbing subject matter such as rabid dogs, crucifixions and screaming figures in geometrical styles.

Arturo Luz off shoulder dress by Freeway

Known for his cubist prints and paintings, Vicente Manansala developed “transparent cubism,” strongly depicted in his work “Kalabaw.” As a member of the Thirteen Moderns, Manansala was one of the pioneers of the modernist movement in the country. His works addressed social environment and reflected native sensibility.

Best known for her social-realist and post-cubist portrayals of Filipino life and culture (usually depicted by a group of women engaged in labor), the works of Anita Magsaysay Ho centered around the basic principle of modernism. As the only woman to be included in the Thirteen Moderns, Ho received significant critical acclaim and recognition for her work.

Ang Kiukok kimono top by Freeway

Awarded as the National Artist of Visual Arts in 1997, Arturo Luz, a Filipino printmaker, sculptor, and designer, is the founding member of the Neo-Realist school in the Philippines. His early works were influenced by modernist painter Paul Klee. He also experimented on various styles and techniques to create playful geometric figures and forms.

Cesar Legazpi‘s works depicted the anguish and dehumanization of beggars and laborers in the city. His critics have cited his paintings as “cubism‘s unfeeling, geometric ordering of figures into a social expressionism rendered by interacting forms filled with rhythmic movement.”

Awarded National Artist of the Visual Arts in 1991, Hernando Ruiz Ocampo was a Filipino artist best known for his abstract paintings. Through movement and bold color palettes, Ocampo used science fiction as the basis of his life’s work.

Cid Reyes halter top with extended overlay by Freeway

Visual artist and restorer Angelito David is best known for his mastery of watercolor. He co-organized and headed the Watercolor Society of the Philippines. He won awards in various local and international art competitions. Lito received the Pamana ng Pilipino (Philippine Heritage) award from President Benigno Aquino III in December 2010 as one of the outstanding Filipinos overseas.

Better known as an art critic, Cid Reyes is also a prolific writer, having authored and co-authored various art books. As an artist, Reyes held 17 solo exhibits, in which he provided a substantial body of work.

Art and advocacy for women’s empowerment open a vital space for artists like Evelyn Collantes. Her works are a dynamic reinforcement of visual images and visually scripted words, the latter explicitly articulating that the art in politics is advocating. One of Collantes’ best works is “Hadlangan Ang Mga Abuso ng M at P” (1984), a pen and ink that confronts the issue of an unfettered police force and military might in pre-People Power Philippines.

Arturo Luz palazzo pants by Freeway

Filipino cartoonist and illustrator Malang Mauro Santos was named “Artist of the Year” in 1964 by the Society of Philippine Illustrators and Cartoonists, and the City of Manila honored him with the Guide of Arts and Culture award in 1981.

The collaboration between CCP and Freeway in the new Series Collection reaffirms both their commitment to the growth and development of the Filipino nation and its arts and culture.

The National Artists Collection of CCP x Freeway will be showcased on Aug. 29 at all Freeway branches nationwide and online. Freeway will also launch the CCP x Freeway collection at the Artefino Fair on the R5 level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.

Ang Kiukok roundneck top by Freeway

Find out more about Freeway’s collection and shop online at www.freeway.ph. Follow them on www.facebook.com/freeway.ph, and Instagram @freeway.ph. Visit Freeway branches at SM Megamall, Robinson’s Galleria, Glorietta, Robinson’s Place Ermita, SM Clark and SM Pampanga.

For inquiries, email info@therow.ph.