On women, the natural world and ethnic imagery

The National Artist nominee’s muses continuously evolve from ethnic imagery to the natural world, but always with a vision of the Filipina and her relationship with the divine and the society.

The 41 artworks in his Woman | Nature exhibit at the Gallery C of Conrad Manila all showcase his vision, mastery in storytelling and craftsmanship with the visual arts. There he blends two mediums for which he is widely known and celebrated — as a painter and printmaker.

Filled with Filipino cultural sensibility and affinity, Delacruz’s art constantly ponders the spiritual aspect of humanity and depicts women as the universal source of life just like in his Bulawan exhibit at Galerie Y in the ‘80s. Meanwhile, in his lithographic show Dilim at Liwanag at the Drawing Room, his muses represent the beauty and sepulchral Madonna, adorned by the symbols of death and temptations. She is depicted as mother earth, color-wrapped nymphs behind lush landscapes.

‘DIWATA: Ritmo,’ oil on canvas, 31” x 25”, 2023.

Delacruz studied at the University of Santo Tomas, major in Advertising Arts. He is a consistent winner in national art competitions and a recipient of the Benavides Award for Outstanding Achievement in 1973.

His first solo show of mezzotint prints was at the Hiraya Gallery in 1982. Since then, Delacruz has held more than 30 exhibits in major cities in the Philippines and around the world.

His work, Thanatopsis, won first prize at the AAP competition in 1981. This was followed by him winning the grand prize for two consecutive years: Transmogrification in 1982 and Goddess of the South in 1983.

‘DIWATA: Maskara,’ oil on canvas, 58” x 69”, 2023.
‘DIWATA: Bahay Kubo, Bahay Bato,’ oil on canvas, 58” x 69”, 2023.
‘DIWATA: Isang Yugto sa Tag-araw,’ oil on canvas, 40” x 40”, 2023.
‘DIWATA: Palipad Hangin,’ oil on canvas, 30” x 30”, 2023.

Delacruz has attended art workshops in Paris, France, and conducted series of printmaking workshops all over the Philippines. He has exhibited in various prominent cities including Guanzou, China; Essen, Germany; Gerona, Spain; Hong Kong; Bratislava, Slovakia; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France, and New York, USA. He resides in his Art Studio/Gallery at Bahaysining, Muntinlupa City.

“As we end the year and celebrate the onset of the Christmas season, the hotel remains true to its bold and empowered commitment to providing its guests with touches of luxury through well-curated stays. This hallmark is echoed by Delacruz’s passion for creating artworks marked by high standards of excellence,” said Fabio Berto, Conrad Manila’s general manager.

Of Art and Wine: Woman|Nature will be on exhibit until 6 January 2024. The artworks are available individually for purchase. Contact Conrad Manila at 8833-9999; Janos Delacruz at 0915-4771711; or email [email protected].