Search
signed and dated 1978 (lower right and ve rso)
oil on canvas
40" x 30" (101 cm x 76 cm)




Often referred to as one of the pillars of Philippine Modern Art is the revered abstractionist Justin Nuyda, whose novel experimentations in light, color, and technique redefined what was possible within the medium of painting. This 1978 oil on canvas piece titled Search showcases his earlier experimentations with abstraction. A sense of tranquility fills the canvas, accentuated by the gradients of the sepia palette. A theory tells that every human being’s heart beats the rhythm of home. This explains why Nuyda is in constant search for mindscapes, painting pictures of the sights and capturing sounds within a mind that is not lost but simply in search. Beyond the formal relationships between hues, tones, and lights, the works of Nuyda are also deeply rooted in our physical and natural world. He often draws inspiration from a variety of scenes, such as landscapes, and uses them as the foundation for his abstract paintings. Far from the merely impressionistic stance of the abstract and much too uncanny for the likes of realism, his style can only be described as a pioneering venture that is incredibly distinct and unique. Art critics have often described Nuyda’s art as poetic. And although the master visual artist passed away recently, his five-decade-long celebrated career in the arts will forever remain in the minds and hearts of the art community. (P.I.R.)