Gig de Pio’s Contemporary Abstracts Are On View At Rustan’s Makati

Taking the act of shopping into an experience that is extraordinary, Rustan's takes off from its expertise in department store curation to the next level by providing diverse ways to go beyond the retail merchandise. Following the tradition set by founder Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco, the ever continuing series of Rustan’s for the Arts has always found ways to surprise with its eclectic choices. Ben Cabrera, Al Perez, Fernando Amorsolo, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Arturo Luz, and even his granddaughter Paulina Luz-Sotto are just some of the Philippine artists who have been featured in the series.

Ongoing until the 31st of March is Rustan’s for the Arts highlighting the abstract artist Gig De Pio. His paintings and one installation painting piece are on display (and for sale) on the 4th floor of Rustan’s Makati. And take our word for it, it is a visual feast of color, imagination, and the keen eye he had for the world that surrounds him.

Gig de Pio

At one level, it’s creating order out of chaos, and in the tradition of the Italian Arte Povera movement that was so popular in the 1970s, Gig makes use of disposable materials in creating his art. For him, it’s a matter of perception, as he sees these objects and material as the stuff art can come out of. It’s an appreciative view of the universe that results in abstract paintings that call out and strike a chord in us. Viewing the paintings, there was a strong emotional response to be felt, and while it’s almost pointless to attempt to put it into words, it was the strength of that feeling that was our dominant takeaway.

Gig was proud to mention that his mentors include National Artists Napoleon Abueva, Vicente Manansala, and Jose Joya. In fact, one painting is a tribute to his period working with Joya, as it’s very reminiscent of the work Joya created for the PICC and CCP. After its stint at Rustan’s Makati, the collection will move in April to the Rustan’s Shangri-La store.

In this month of hearts, let’s not forget Rustan’s and Gig de Pio as we prepare for ALT Philippines 2020 and the Art Fair Philippines. And there is a traveling Arte Povera exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum from February 10 to April 30, brought to us by the Embassy of Italy.