Antonio Luz describes his art as figurative, narrative, and surreal. "I like putting the human figure in situations that will generally tell a story," he says, "I think this aesthetic sense comes from my love for literature, for the written word. I like allegorical, symbolic presentations."
Up until August last year, Tony worked as a secondary school teacher in Taiwan. Before that, he taught English as a second language (ESL) in Vancouver from 1994 to 1997 and in Tokyo from 1987 to 1993. He received his BA Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1986.
"Though it seems I came to art rather late in life, my relationship with art began much earlier," Tony relates.
His late father, architect Alfredo J. Luz, was the brother of artist Arturo Luz. "They were like two peas in a pod," he says. "They were very close to each other. They shared an aesthetic sense, a certain linearity in their work, that we playfully referred to in our family as the Luz-ian style." Among the works of his father are the WHO Bldg., Ramon Magsaysay Bldg., and IRRI.
"I grew up in a house full of paintings by great Philippine masters," Tony recalls. "I remember a large Madonna and Child by Manansala, done in subtle cubism, votive candles by Ang Kiukok, a vibrant Ocampo, and of course, several pieces by Arturo Luz."
"Early on, I had the strange notion that I should, by virtue of association, be an artist," Tony says.
At 38, he made his career shift.
"I thought I’d do it at 40," he says, "but it could not wait any longer. This is something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life."
He enjoys the full support of his wife, Althea Besa, a former classmate at the Ateneo who now also teaches in international schools. They are presently based in Singapore.
An oil and seven watercolor paintings by Antonio Luz is on exhibit until July 23 at the Crucible Gallery at SM Megamall.
The oil painting is entitled "Focus."
"Its theme is about privacy," Tony explains.
It shows a window which frames a scene with birds perched on a TV antennae. In the foreground is a man who is peering through binoculars, and on either side of him are ghostlike female figures in seductive poses.
"I was actually inspired by the aerial which I saw from the window of my studio in our condo in Singapore," he says. "I liked its shape. My work can start like this, from an image, or from a theme."
"My preference for human subjects in a contextual setting and for the whole composition to take on a narrative quality underscores the inquisitive, questioning nature of art," he remarks. "For instance, it can take on political and social issues, and indeed these are themes that I generally deal with."
The oldest work in the collection is a diptych entitled "Adam and Eve." Done in watercolor, Tony started work on "Adam" in late 1996 and finished "Eve" in early 1997. Adam and Eve are depicted in modern clothes and several apples are laid out on a table in the foreground. Cactus plants are depicted in the garden which appears like a facade in the background.
"It has a lot of irony," he says of this particular work.
"I really don’t do decorative work," he says. The closest would be the watercolor entitled Bali which consists of nine panels.
"The biggest panel in the center is a depiction of a family, minus a father, but with a mother and nine children," Tony explains. "I based it on a sculpture which I found in the garden of a house in Bali. It was actually covered with moss."
The other panels show paintings of flowers and the sky.
"It offers a very positive message, of family and symbols of life," Tony says. "It’s a beautiful painting, but somewhat shallow, thematically."
The other four paintings in the collection which together comprise the "Hello" series shows four different aspects of the artist.
"It’s an introduction to myself," Tony admits. He calls this archetypal portraiture.
He has also done several commissioned works in this genre.
"The subject does not sit for the painting," Tony explains. "Instead, I ask him to write an essay about himself, about his past accomplishments, as well as future goals and aspirations. I also ask him to give five to seven character traits, good and bad, and assign a symbol for each one. For example, someone who said he was creative-minded gave the prism as his symbol."
He also asks for pictures of his subject as well as an object, to be returned, such as a piece of jewelry. He then proceeds to do a color study.
"An archetypal portrait is a symbolic rendering of their life," he explains. "It’s very risky and it’s not for everybody, but only for those who want to know more of themselves. It’s also a very private thing. I will not show it in public unless I have the permission of the subject."
"In terms of style," he says, "I prefer clean lines and clear modeling, both with the figure and setting. At this point, I wouldn’t characterize my painting style as painterly at all. I rely more on a strong use of color, balanced composition and compelling themes, rather than techniques with the brush to achieve a desired effect. I can see the emotional effect of color. I want things to be vibrant and brilliant. I want colors to complement each other and depict whatever mood is being conveyed."
Tony has exhibited in group shows in Taiwan and in the US. The exhibit of his works at the Crucible is his first one-man show.
"My goal is to exhibit at least once a year, in different countries," says Tony, who has lived in six different countries including Canada where he had his elementary education, Japan where he started his teaching career, the US, Taiwan and Singapore.
With the Internet, this is very possible. A gallery owner in Hong Kong, who made initial contact with him through his website at www.artluz.com, has expressed interest in exhibiting his works. He also has plans of exhibiting next year in San Francisco in the Bay Area.
Tony looks at his Tito Arthur as his role model. "I admire his work ethic, " he says.
"He is very prolific. He does not stop working. He has a surplus of ideas that far outstrip the amount of time it would take to do them." This is how Tony would also like to see himself.
"I think it will be a very sad day if I woke up one morning and realize I have more time than I needed," he says.
| |
Antonio Luz’s first solo art show, "Hello," is on view until July 20 at the Crucible Gallery, SM Artwalk, fourth floor, SM Megamall A, Mandaluyong City. Call telefax 635-60-61 for inquiries.