Love on the freeway of art

MANILA, Philippines - Freeway will give a special Valentine treat to all-access VIP card-members by giving a special discount on all National Artist Collectors Series.

This series features the enthralling words of Nick Joaquin (National Artist for Literature) and the engaging images of Ang Kiukok (National Artist for Visual Arts.) Freeway took a major re-direction when it started this collection with the intent of celebrating the legacy of these two Filipino artists.

The brand hopes to let today’s youth appreciate Filipino art and heritage as they get to know more about the stories behind our National Artists. Freeway was recently awarded the Gold Award as Best Fashion Retailer by the Philippine Fashion Awards (in partnership with the Department of Tourism) for this effort.

Nick Joaquin’s talent was very obviously inherent and probably fueled by his quest to inhale knowledge, his surroundings and his family. As he did when he was a child, he took in the sights and sounds of the time, and wrote not just journalistic accounts but important works of literature. He is one of the few writers who were able to cross many genres — from poetry to children’s stories to novels and plays to historical biographies. He was proclaimed National Artist in 1971.

Ang Kiukok began to create strong provocative images at the time when many artists painted “easy on the eyes” subjects. He first attained prominence in the Philippine arts scene in the 1960s with a distinct style that fused influences from Cubism, Surrealism and Expressionism. He favored such subjects as fighting cocks, rabid dogs, and people enraptured by rage or bound in chains, clowns and images of Christ. The intensity of his works stood in contrast to his own personality: described as humble, soft-spoken and affable. He was proclaimed National Artist in 2001.

This exclusive limited offer runs until Feb. 14. For information about the all-access VIP card, visit any Freeway boutique in leading malls nationwide, or visit www.freeway.net.ph and Facebook page where monthly draws are held.

The National Artist Series is available only at SM Mall of Asia, SM Pampanga, SM Megamall, SM The Block, SM Clark, Glorietta 5, Market Market, TriNoma, Robinsons Ermita, Festival Mall, as well as provincial outlets in Ayala Cebu, Limketkai Mall Cagayan de Oro, Kcc Mall Gen San and Chimes Davao.