Continuum of art

The exhibit displays the works of some of the finest artist in the country.

A double celebration for the Philippine art scene was held on 29 September 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.

Daloy Dance Company opened the event, followed by the welcoming of guests by singer-actress Tuesday Vargas and 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 the foundation wants to become a platform that will help develop artists and expand the access of art in its future programs and partnerships.

(FROM left) Jigs Adefuin, Daphne Ceniza Kuok, BenCab, Ayni Nuyda, Justin Tuesday Vargas and Johnny Luitton.

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 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 Delacruz, 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 (titled “Moonlight Sonata” and “Passion”) which are currently available for silent auction bids.

Nuyda’s 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 16 October at LRI Design Plaza (located along Nicanor Garcia Street, Makati City). All proceeds will be used to fund future projects of Search Mindscape Foundation.

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 2017, 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.”

It was also in 2017 where she met Jigs Adefuin and Oliver Ortiz of Adefuin Design Studio, whom she worked closely with for a tribute to her father for LRI Design Plaza’s 13th anniversary.

“The foundation was primarily founded by the three of us,” Ayni said. “I was very much fascinated by the work dynamic of our partnership at that time so I approached them later to collaborate on a project. One idea led to another and we decided to build a foundation that aims to support the Philippine art community.”

As for the foundation’s name, Ayni explained that the term “Search Mindscape” was inspired by the artwork series that her father conceptualized and created in the 60s.

“My father’s mindscapes (which denote an expansive view of one’s own mind) are heavily influenced by his experiences as a lepidopterist (one who studies and collects butterflies and moths) among other things,” she said.

“This has shaped the art that he creates. We believe that visual artists in the Philippines have their own respective mindscapes that we, as a foundation, aim to seek, foster and develop.

”As for the foundation’s name, Ayni explained that the term “Search Mindscape” was inspired by the artwork series that her father conceptualized and created in the 60s. “My father’s mindscapes (which denote an expansive view of one’s own mind) are heavily influenced by his experiences as a lepidopterist (one who studies and collects butterflies and moths) among other things,” she said.

“This has shaped the art that he creates. We believe that visual artists in the Philippines have their own respective mindscapes that we, as a foundation, aim to seek, foster and develop.”