Art interrupted with Lopez Museum's Open Ends exhibit

What happens when art and art-making are interrupted? Is an unfinished work still worthy of display? Why would a work with no perfunctory conclusion deserve a second look?

Open Ends, the second exhibition offering of the Lopez Museum and Library for 2015, highlights a collection of rarely seen studies, sketches, and unfinished paintings by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. These works are a segment of the collection that will resurface after more than a decade long hiatus – well-kept and in storage. Often overshadowed by the higher-profiled Juan Luna, Hidalgo’s works reflect his quieter temperament, of an artist that is often only spoken of when referring to the tandem. Their contribution to Philippine Art is more than the laurels and distinctions they garnered in the historic Exposition win in 1884. Hidalgo and Luna were at the forefront of the development of Filipino nationhood and it was through their art that they attempted to make sense of this personal and higher struggle.

FASHIONISTA: Freeway Juan Luna Maestro Collection

Juan Luna, one of the art heroes of the Philippines who got numerous awards and showed the  western world that "indios" can excel in visual arts along with other Filipino intellectuals like Jose Rizal and Marcelo Del Pilar. And after more than 100 years, his works are still renowned and is a tourist favorite in museums in the country and even in Spain. 

The paintings (such as Espana y Filipinas and The Parisan Life) are now cultural treasures of the Philippines and also paved the way for more Filipino visual artist which their works have been given spotlight with the Freeway National Artists' Collection.    

Now, Freeway honors Juan Luna, one of the Philippines’ first recognized Philippine artists during the 19th century. Luna's magnificent works depicting his realistic and dramatic styles of art are all translated into beautiful prints creating a visual feast for fashion and art lovers alike. These prints are dawned on a collection of dresses and tops for the modern and trendy Filipina, consisting of a mix of fabrics with an alluring color palette acting as canvasses for showcasing Juan Luna’s masterpieces. 

Get ready for a cultivation of historical art and modern fashion with the Freeway Masters Series: Juan Luna Holiday Collection! It will be available in all Freeway stores nationwide or shop online at www.freewayonline.com.ph for your comfort! You may also visit our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @FreewayOnline for more information.