It’s a bit weird seeing Rhett Eala beaming beside a colorful gallery-hung painting that boasts his affixed signature when you’re so used to seeing him with the same fulsome collection on the catwalk after presenting a collection. Rhett Eala has actually come up with a new collection in an entirely different medium — this time turning to oil and acrylic rather than patterns, fabric and thread to make a creative statement.
In a move that surprised many, Rhett Eala unveiled a series of paintings reflective of his pieces for C2, the collection he helped birth a year and a half ago as creative director for classic local brand Collezione.
Rhett Eala’s My Filipinas collection, done in collaboration with Collezione owner Joey Qua, has introduced a modern kind of artistic patriotism that heavily relies on pop culture and pop art (very different from the Pinoy-philia seen on local labels’ statement tees). Eala has come up with 20 color-riddled pieces — 16 works on canvas and four prints on paper — that puts his own stamp on the distinctive Filipino map and the three stars and one sun that decorate the Philippine flag, the same symbols that he lavishes on the casual wear he churns out.
In a short interview, Eala talked about going back to his roots and espousing a new kind of logo love.
YSTYLE: How was the exhibit conceptualized?
RHETT EALA: It was a collaboration between Joey (Qua, Collezione owner) and myself. We were trying to think of ideas to present the My Pilipinas series in a new way, something different. So we came up with the idea of me having my one first one-man exhibition with the map as the inspiration. I was up for the challenge.
Are you really into painting?
I have been involved with the arts ever since I was young. I painted when I was in school and even used to do illustrations for some publications including the STAR. My mother, Baby Valencia, is a very accomplished painter and I have always been surrounded by art and artists all my life. I have painted in the past but never really took an active interest in it until now.
What is the main inspiration behind the artwork aside from the Philippine map and flag?
Well, I was very much influenced by my favorite artists like Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol. I was also wanted to manipulate images and twist them around. I really wanted to provoke thought and perception.
Why skulls?
Most people see the skull as an image of the macabre. But for me, skulls represent no gender, color or social class. It’s about being Filipino to the bone.
What other Filipino symbols would you like to “exploit”?
I’ve been researching some tribal motifs and patterns.
How do you gauge people’s reactions to your map-imprinted shirts?
It’s a very positive reaction. When it first came out in the stores, I really wasn’t sure how people would react to it — you must understand that I grew up in a time when foreign labels ruled our country — but it was an instant hit. People are so proud of our country and it’s so gratifying that I can help them express that. It’s amazing how Filipinos have changed through the years.
Do you think this is the new kind of logo love?
Yes. I am putting maps on everything I touch.
On what?
That’s still top secret. You’ll see it soon enough.
Do you want to pursue this new career as a painter?
I definitely won’t stop painting after this show and have already actually been commissioned to do several paintings. I really enjoy the process. It’s like getting reacquainted with my best friend from junior high.
What’s next for C2?
Well, hopefully we can open a store in Makati soon. I think it’s high time for of the most enduring labels in our country to have a flagship store in the financial district. We have a big launch sometime in October and we are in the planning stages of a bespoke line.
Collezione’s C2 collection is available at Collezione Robinsons Galleria, TriNoma, Market! Market! and Robinsons Place Ermita.
* * *
E-mail comments to ana_kalaw@pldtdsl.net.