AS GUESTS came streaming in, the string ensemble played old standards dear to the hearts of senior citizens—and there were a few around. Then the musicians switched to light classical stuff, announced by Mozart’s iconic “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” and the waltzes of Strauss.
The venue was The Atrium of Rustan’s in Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City, and the event was the opening salvo of the retail giant’s campaign called “Rustan’s for the Arts.”
Honored during the recent (and ongoing) exhibit were two major artists, National Artist Arturo Luz and sculptor Ramon Orlina, known for his exquisite pieces in glass. Selected works of the two were on display.
Orlina exhibited a work in blue crystal, “Breakthrough,” a lovely mother-and-child in green crystal called “Bonding with Mom,” and “Cutting Edge” II, in carved clear crystal.
Luz was represented by his large-scale “Module,” in stainless steel; “Cubi,” mild steel bar in silver finish; and three brass plates in silver finish: “Homage to Gerardo Rueda,” “Homage to Eduardo Chillida” and “Homage to Cesar Manrique.”
Rueda, Chillida and Manrique “are very famous Spanish artists, abstract, whom I met in Spain a long time ago,” Luz informed me. “They belong to the School of Madrid.”
Meet-and-greet
“This is the first meet-and-greet artists for the month,” said Dina Tantoco of Rustan’s. “We have tied up with artists here and abroad, and we are really exploring all kinds of arts and bringing it to the stores.”
Subsequent exhibits were held recently at The Galerie of Rustan’s Makati with Nemiranda, Salcedo Private Views’ Marina Cruz and Rodel Tapaya; and at Rustan’s Alabang with Fernando B. Seña.
To complement the exhibits, there are Rustan’s logos given the personal treatment by a slew of top designers, plus jewelry, home decor and accessories, and items from the artisanal collections of the stores. With arts and crafts for the premier market being good business, there are special offers and discounts.
“Rustan’s for the Arts” exhibits may be viewed at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Alabang, and Cebu until the end of May.