The reluctant art world darling

Nikki Luna wants to be taken seriously. I can see how it can be quite the challenge given her delicate Asian features offset by a very morena skin tone, creating a striking contrast that will make you look twice at the exotic little bird before your eyes. More so because I’ve known this little bird since the late '90s when we were merely a couple of pre-teen girls talking about boys, biking and keeping a diary of our escapades. Fast-forward to two decades later and here we both are in our 30s, finding ourselves together again and laughing at how our lives have evolved.

Her physical appearance betrays the brains behind some of the most compelling pieces from an artist of this generation. Her portraits of women, young and old, are thoughtful, provocative and full of soul. Look deep into the eyes of her paintings and you see a part of her breathing life into a photograph. Her sculptures, like the whimsical resin guns molded with lace and floral print, show off her dark sense of humor. A bunch of organza ribbons used in an installation in Milan, supplying the décor in one of the shots, reflects her soft and sensitive side. Luna says her upcoming show, “Menagerie of Bursting Lilies,” at Finale Art File video room on Dec. 2 is inspired by a cage: “I’m going to do sound installation. The sound is an integral part of the show.”

To say she has multiple personalities is an understatement. She bursts into laughter over some mundane remark but quickly shifts into her serious self when asked about her ongoing projects and activities. Once she gets the ball rolling on her advocacy, which is mainly women’s and children’s rights, you see the warrior in her — deeply devoted to her cause and fully committed to pushing it to whoever cares to listen. And push it she does, traveling alone to the outskirts of Mindanao and Sierra Leone to visit NGOs and observe how the people are treated and survive in depressing conditions. StartArt project, her NGO which provides art and therapy to women and children suffering from political conflict and abuse, has been enjoying a successful run since its launch in 2008. She is full of conviction without being preachy, which is why she probably gets all that attention, apart from her strong presence.

The lady who lounges: Nikki in her favorite spot in the garden in a maxi dress from Chocolate Clothing.

YStyle: Where do your ideas come from? What inspires you the most? 

Nikki Luna: My ideas in art rely on life and vice versa. They are mostly social and political commentaries, a reflection on problems and issues such as gender, landlessness, poverty and corruption, among others. A lot of it, I admit, is inspired by the perspective of the woman–her place in society, roles, association with femininity. 

Why work outdoors? Are you more inspired that way or is it more of a practical reason? More space? Get a tan at the same time? 

I am a sun worshipper, and not just at the beach. I don’t like blackout curtains. I appreciate the sunlight coming through my window. It’s a very pleasant feeling, the warmth of the sun. Since I tend to delve into social and political issues, it requires a lot of research and reading. I really don’t want to be stuck inside a room that’s enclosed while I’m doing all these. I’d prefer to be outdoors, even just in a garden with trees, plants, grass and natural sunlight. It makes me feel I’m not missing out on a wonderful day. When I work with my ideas or concepts and finalizing them, I find that I enjoy it more when I’m under the sun, near the water, ocean or pool. Getting a tan is an added bonus while doing work. 

What’s your daily work uniform?

Sun worshipper: Getting a tan in a Le Tarte bikini while surfing the web for ideas in her favorite Kartell chairs

If I’m working at home, shorts and tank tops. If I’m outdoors, most of the time, my faithful ripped jeans and stained shirts.

Go-to outfit for a night out?

A good pair of jeans and a comfortable top, usually from J Brand and Sass & Bide. I also like the stuff from Uniqlo and CDG. Some nights I prefer dresses that are usually jersey material, easy to wear just like a shirt. My go-to designers are Yvonne Quisimbing, Patrice Diaz and Culte Femme.

Does your personal style reflect you as an artist?

I appreciate fashion. It’s another outlet to show one’s creativity. I can say how I dress doesn’t really define who I am but is definitely an extension of myself.