By John Ernest José
Philippine Daily Inquirer
“ICARO,” by Fernando Zobel.
The exhibit “Pioneers of Philippine Art” at Ayala Museum features the works of Filipino masters Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo and Fernando Zobel.
“Most paintings were gifts from the various donors and benefactors, as well as acquisitions of Ayala Corporation that are on long-term loan to the museum,” said Ditas Samson, one of the resident curators.
Roughly half of the artworks were given by the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI), Sycip Gorres Velayo (SGV) Foundation, Insular Life.
Europe’s social structure
Luna’s participation in the 1889 Paris Exposition widened his artistic horizons. Although originally a Classical-Romantic artist, Luna shifted to Social Realism in his desire to depict the contemporary realities of Europe, especially the blue-collar workers and the destitute, the negative effects of capitalism.
“Luna’s intimate studies of various classes
Article source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/104301/pioneers-of-philippine-art-exhibit-draws-from-various-collections