ALCUAZ. For those who enjoy the visual arts among us, it is a name that has an almost mythic quality to it. The mere mention of his name often evokes the image of an eccentric genius– the artist who lived in a hotel and painted many works in such a short time, whose works are exhibited in museums in Spain, and was granted the Order of Genius by the French Government. He who could recite entire poems at the drop of a hat, and yet, had the youthful spirit to play pranks or music from a handheld keyboard he always brought with him to friends and even strangers he met at the lobby of the hotel. His nomination to the roster of our National Artists was embroiled in the controversial concurrent appointments of other nominees. Thankfully, the merit of his works was enough. His tapestries, abstract works, cycloramic landscapes of Manila, nudes, still life, his famous Tres Marias, which combined, number in the thousands. The portraits he made of the important people of Philippine Society made such an indelible impression to the art lovers of the previous generations. But to many younger art connoisseurs of today, he is an enigma. Federico Aguilar raises questions on why the name Alcuaz is used.
To celebrate the 89th birthday, and to relaunch Art Lounge Manila in its new space at The Podium, the Art Lounge Manila and the Alcuaz family jointly present FEDERICO ALCUAZ UNVEILED: Select Works from the Alcuaz Family Collection. The exhibition is presented to shed light on the mystery that is Alcuaz, and allow younger audiences to bask in the light of his genius. With works representing almost all the decades of his artistic career, the exhibition presents different aspects of his practice and allows the public to see samples of the many artistic medium Alcuaz was adept in. The exhibition opened on May 22, and closes with an afternoon with Christian Aguilar who will give a talk about his father, and hold an authentication session at the gallery.
FEDERICO ALCUAZ “UNVEILED” is co-presented with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Unveiled” Federico Aguilar Alcuaz will be on exhibit at Art Lounge Manila at the Podium, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila from May 22- June 6.
