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I was just wandering in Glorietta 5, with a few of my students in tow, when I chanced upon The Row.  I immediately saw their latest in the National Artist Collector Series: Jose Garcia Villa.  I recalled that my sister once featured Freeway Art’s Ang Kiukok and she lamented the fact that she wasn’t able to get hold of Nick Joaquin’s collection, which was the first of the series.

Thing is, the moment I entered The Row, I saw not only the full Jose Garcia Villa collection but also remnants of Nick Joaquin’s and Ang Kiukok’s. Talk about great luck!  I couldn’t decide what to get at first, but then I reminded myself that I may no longer see any of the Nick Joaquin stuff.  I wanted them all! But I’m not rich so…

I chose the one that did not make me look 10 pounds fatter.  This one is Nick Joaquin’s The Summer Solstice.  Look at the details in that piece! I love love love love Nick Joaquin’s stories, so I’m very happy to spend for this.

Sadly, it was the Ang Kiukok collection — at least, what’s left of it — that did not appeal to me. I think his timeless paintings did not translate well when graphic designers carried them over into print. A pity. Although…I have a feeling that the best of that collection have already been sold out. These Ang Kiukok beauties weren’t available at The Row:

Next month I’m planning to go back for the last of these pieces.  Aaaaand of course, get my hands on these lovely Jose Garcia Villa ensembles.

I like the combination of literature and graphic design better than painting and graphic design.  I feel like one form of visual art gets corrupted when translated into another medium. That could just be me, though, since some films translate well when their screen shots are used for graphic design endeavors.

Oh, by the way, dresses aren’t the only ones they have in their collections. They have lots of bags and accessories, too!

You can check out their complete collection at http://www.freeway.net.ph.

Image credits:
Freeway.net.ph
Elvert dela Cruz Bañares