A double celebration for the Philippine art scene was held recently at Raffles Hotel, Makati City. It was the official launch of Search Mindscape Foundation, and the 75th birthday of master painter Justin Nuyda, whose work and career inspired the creation of the foundation. The launch was accompanied by an exhibit entitled “Continuum: Connecting Mindscapes,” which features artworks by 30 local contemporary artists.
A captivating artistic performance by Daloy Dance Company opened the event, followed by the welcoming of guests by award winning singer-actress Tuesday Vargas and debonaire host Johnny Litton, who served as the night’s masters of ceremonies. Live music was provided by Casa San Miguel’s enchanting string quartet all throughout the evening.
Search Mindscape founder Ayni Nuyda, daughter of the elder Nuyda, thanked the support of attending guests, especially stakeholders of the local arts community. She said that the foundation wants to become a platform that will help develop artists and expand the access of art in its future programs and partnerships.
The launch of Search Mindscape Foundation became a gathering of the masters as well. Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera (National Artist for Visual Art), F. Sionil Jose (National Artist for Literature), and several contemporaries of Justin Nuyda were among the attendees to signify their support for the new foundation and at the same time celebrate with him on his 75th birthday.
Interior designer Jigs Adefuin of Adefuin Design Studio (ADS), wove the artworks of 30 Filipino contemporary artists into a narrative that bridges the legacy of Justin Nuyda as one of the pillars of Philippine contemporary art, and the next generation of artists who will eventually move on to greater heights.
The exhibit displayed the works of some of the finest artists in the country: Orley Ypon, Bullet Dematera, Rom Villaseran, Azor Pazcoguin, Mark Andy Garcia, Olivia d’Aboville, Kenneth Montegrande, Beatrix Syjuco, Michelline Syjuco, Robert Lucas Shook, Marko Bello, Janos Delaruz, Vincent de Pio, Jaime Gubaton, Clarence Chun, Rey Aurelio, Aileen Lanuza, AADA, Leo Aguilar, Meneline Wong, Michael Pastorizo, Jayson Muring, Jojoy Zabala, Tammy de Roca, Jel Suarez, Fitz Herrera, Josep Pascual, Sam Penaso, and Jay Ragma. Mediums ranged from oil and acrylic to textile and collage.
Completing the exhibit were two oil on canvas paintings donated by Justin Nuyda. His works along with all of the other artworks featured in the launch will be available for viewing and purchase at a 15-day extended exhibit which runs until October 16 at LRI Design Plaza
Ayni explained that the motivation to establish Search Mindscape Foundation was developed several years ago when her father started collecting artworks of younger contemporary artists that he supports and sees potential in. When she began managing her father’s art studio full-time in 20t17, it required her to travel and study more about the local and international art industry.
“It also strengthened my belief that Filipinos do have a lot to offer not only in the local art scene, but internationally as well,” she added. “Coming back to Manila, I felt the need for me to fully participate in promoting Philippine visual art.”
