Since its inception in 2022, The Art House has redefined how Philippine art is experienced — bridging exhibitions, public installations and, now, accessible merchandise. The platform’s goal is clear: To make Filipino creativity tangible, meaningful and closer to everyday life. At the center of this mission is founder Carlo Pineda, whose background in travel retail helped shape a unique approach to art engagement.

“Our first merchandise featured miniature art toys by Leeroy New,” Pineda recalls. “It was a natural progression. Through gifting, travel and novelty items, we wanted to educate younger audiences and open new ways to engage with communities.”

In late 2024, Art House began exploring a creative synergy with the Ateneo Art Gallery (AAG) — the Philippines’ first museum of modern art. At the time, the museum was preparing to commemorate the birth centennial of Fernando Zóbel, one of the country’s most significant modernist painters and cultural scholars. As Zóbel’s works prepared for global exhibitions at Madrid’s Museo del Prado and Singapore’s National Gallery, a homegrown tribute was also underway.

That tribute takes shape in The Fernando Zóbel Centennial Collection — a special line of merchandise inspired by the artist’s lesser-known travel sketches, many of which were created during his journeys in Northern Luzon. These drawings, pulled from a rare notebook in AAG’s collection, portray local architecture, religious iconography and rural scenes. Among the featured sketches are: Batac Funeral, Glan Soldier, Cabugao, Paoay Church, Sta. Lucia and Dr. Buenaventura.

“These notebooks were Zóbel’s love letters to Philippine culture,” says AAG director and chief curator Ma. Victoria “Boots” Herrera. “They reveal a side of him deeply invested in documenting and understanding Filipino heritage.”

To bring these drawings into everyday spaces, Art House applied them onto premium novelty items — catch trays, Japanese umbrellas, laptop and phone stands and coasters. Each piece is designed with gifting and travel in mind, offering compact elegance while serving as a quiet invitation to engage with Philippine modern art.

But beyond functionality, the collaboration demanded a strong sense of ethics and excellence. “We had to ensure every item honored Zóbel’s legacy through correct citation and faithful representation,” Pineda explains. “And every piece is proudly Philippine-made. We see this as a circular ecosystem — our artists, our makers, our communities.”

For AAG, this collection also marks a meaningful expansion. “Since 2018, we’ve been aiming to broaden our shop offerings,” Herrera shares. “Art House filled that gap with integrity and style. Their collection is thoughtfully made — balancing modernity, cultural relevance and artistic respect.”

With this release, Art House completes its second major merchandise line dedicated to a Filipino artist. But it won’t be the last.

“We’re committed to expanding our portfolio,” Pineda affirms. “Through community involvement — whether with Filipino artisans or through outreach with schools and neighborhoods — we want to bring local creativity to new platforms and wider audiences.”

The Fernando Zóbel Centennial Collection was launched on 5 May at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Soledad V Pangilinan Arts Wing, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, offering not just souvenirs, but symbols of a continuing journey in art and heritage.