MANILA, Philippines - Freeway has launched the second installment of its National Artist Collector’s Series, featuring the provocative artworks of Ang Kiukok. Kiukok explored themes that range from screaming figures to clowns to canine.
The first series featured the works of literary master Nick Joaquin last August. For the latest collection, Freeway focused on Kiukok’s colorfully playful oils-on-canvas images and pen-and-ink sketches to create eye-catching ensembles. The first set of styles is available at Freeway outlets starting today, and the rest of the collection will be rolled out in all stores weekly until the first week of December.
With parents Ang Sy Pang and Lim Shen in Davao City, Ang Kiukok was born on March 1, 1931, and was originally named Hua Shing meaning “Chinese Born.” Due to his father’s cousin naming his son with the same name, Hua Shing was renamed as Kiukok, meaning “Save the Country.”
Ang Kiukok passionately studied the arts at the University of Santo Tomas where he learned the craft from the greats of Philippine art: Victorio Edades, Diosado Lorenzo, Jose Garcia Llamas and Vicente Manansala.
The artist began exploring what would become his signature expressionist style in the late ’50s. At the Association of the Philippines’ 12th annual art exhibit, his work “Blind Musicians” was given a special award. Through the years, Kiukok created a body of work that is much admired by collectors and hugely influential to young artists. In 2001, he was given the National Artist Award.
Freeway pays tribute to the artist by showcasing his amazing artwork in this numbered limited-edition series. The collection consists of graphic tees, outerwear, woven tops, dresses, a tote bag, men’s graphic tees, and a signature Kiukok watch. Each item comes with a special Freeway National Artist Collector’s Series gift packaging.
Freeway aims to use fashion in sharing the works of these masters with the youth so they can appreciate the immense talent of our esteemed Filipino artists. Part of the proceeds of this effort will be donated to charity of the Ang family’s choice: the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii for the construction of a church in Tanay, Rizal.
For information, visit www.freeway.net.ph.