Appreciating the Manila Landscape: Federico Alcuaz's Urban Artistry

I cannot label this as one of my "missions" because there is no specific issue being tackled here. Instead, this is an appreciation for fine arts which is an integral part in today's society. As a Communications major, I can truly understand and reflect how urban life can inspire people into thinking and creating beautiful works of art.

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ARTICLE PROFILE
Title: "Remembering Federico Aguilar Alcuaz- 'epic toubadour of the urban landscape'"
Author: Duffie Osental
Date issued: June 4, 2012
Article link: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/51129/remembering-federico-aguilar-alcuaz-%E2%80%93%E2%80%98epic-troubadour-of-the-urban-landscape%E2%80%99
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Federico A. Alcuaz (1932-2011) has just been admitted to the Order of National Artists by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He was best known for his works in Philippine modernism, depicting the life of Filipino society at that time and its changes through new eras. Just like most national artists, there were well educated, and ventured outside the Philippines to get inspired by art of different cultures. He later resided and raised a family in Central Europe. Exposed to different artistic styles, he was finally able to return to Manila during some time, and continued to craft brilliant paintings.

Okay, in all honesty, I have not known him until I found this article. Just like how I discovered Caesar X. Syjuco's works, I decided to take a look at some of his works since Philippine modernist arts continues to interest and inspire people, especially for home and hospitality interior fixtures. Unlike the romanticism works by the great Amorsolo at that time, Alcuaz' style was simply a straightforward depiction of how he interprets a view.

This work is titled as "NY STUDIO Interior". As some who has studied qualitative research, I can say that this is a quality observation, injected with an artistic sense. Even if I have not been to New York before, I really can feel the gritty, rustic and isolated atmosphere. The Philippines flag adds a nice tough in the image. This can truly symbolize an OFW's journey as well, but may be of a different viewpoint.

The three images here on the left are an example of his interpretation in different urban landscapes. The first two I think depicts European landscapes; while the third one is sort of a patriotic and impressionist imagery.

The article states that there is a "Manila landscape series", but this is the only piece that I can find titled "Panoramic Landscape of Manila" . All I can say is that this is just stunning. Every single detail here is perfect, especially how sunlight and shades play out. I really think the city hasn't changed much, even if this work was created in 1977. The Tondo area (on the right portion) is crowded as usual; Taft Ave. on the far left seems to have already been established; and Rizal Park has always remained bustling. The only different I can see is that it's more orderly, unlike the over-congested buildings surrounding every part of the city now. It would have been nice if he have painted one for Manila's modern-day view. 

Seeing Metro Manila in an artist's perspective can be very useful in understanding the philosophy of urbanization. 

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Image Reference:
http://www.manilaartblogger.com/tag/maya-munoz/
http://new.philstar.com/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/565546/gallery-news
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=813309&publicationSubCategoryId=86
http://www.arcadja.com/auctions/en/aguilar_alcuaz_federico/artist/153021/
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