National Artist Jose Garcia Villa for Freeway

FREEWAY

It's Freeway's third take on National Artist Collectors' Series and this time, works from another National Artist for Literature will be featured in a collection which includes graphic tees, leggings, outerwear, woven tops, tote bags, and clutches.

Jose Garcia Villa is known for his "comma poems" and his collection of short stories. He used Doveglion (short for Dove, Eagle and Lion) as a pen name and in 2008, a centennial edition of Villa's collected poetry had been published after this name. He was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter, and was hailed Philippine National Artist in 1973.

Freeway proudly features some of his well known works - When One Cannot Run Runs, Poem for Violeta, Elegy for the Airplane, and other poems written in Filipino. His sketches will be featured as well using high-technology printing and colorfully creative graphic works and layouts.

Freeway's Ang Kiukok Collection Launch

I'm glad that I was once again invited to Freeway Loves Art Ang Kiukok National Artist Collector's Series Launch last October 27, 2009 at The Row, Glorietta 5. This time the collection features the artwork of National Artist Ang Kiukok, a visionary genius.

Freeway presented the full collection in a fashion show. The Brazilian models wore unique hat pieces to complement their Ang Kiukok outfits and their fab make-up was done by VMV Hypoallergenics.

Jocas De Leon, daughter of Mr. Joey De Leon, hosted the event. Art critic Cid Reyes also participated by reading his essay and with Dr. William Chua (a prominent collector) they shared with the audience some facts about Ang Kiukok and his work. Mr. Joey De Leon was also interviewed to share his memorable experiences with the artist and how he became a collector of his paintings.

Lucky guests (including me!) who won the raffle at the end of the program either got a Freeway gift certificate or VMV Hypoallergenics GCs. Ang Kiukok limited edition tote bags were also given away as gifts to all attendees.

Media personalities, loyal patrons, family and friends of Ang Kiukok attended the series launch.

The Row became a mini Ang Kiukok's museum

Dr. William Chua and Cid Reyes talks about Ang Kiukok's life



I won a gift certificate!



I haven't claimed my free gift yet, maybe I'll get this Purple Clowns jacket!






To view the full collection, check out this post:
Ang Kiukok Collection - Freeway Loves Art

Ang Kiukok Collection - Freeway Loves Art

The second wave of Freeway's National Artist Collection's Series has already been launched! The first of the series featured the beautiful words of a literary genius, Nick Joaquin and now for visual arts, Freeway is proud to feature the powerful paintings of Ang Kiukok in their clothing line.

Ang Kiukok was originally named Hua Shing by his Chinese parents. He always had a fondness for drawing since childhood so in 1952, he decided to study fine arts in Manila. On December 10, 1954 he finally put up an art exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Gallery showcasing his 29 watercolor painting and two done in oil.

Considered as a visual genius, he won several awards including the 5^th Shell Students Art Competition in 1955, a special award for his work Blind Musicians, an honorary mention for Still Life, and in year 2001 he was then hailed to become a National Artist by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Some of his favorite subjects (Scream, Dog, Harvest, and the ever popular Clowns) are printed in Freeway's limited edition collection consisting of graphic tees, outerwear, woven tops, dresses, Men�s graphic tees and accessories such as: bags, fashion jewelry, and a watch.

Here's the full collection with details and prices. Click the photos to enlarge.