Arts & Culture

A Tapestry of Filipino Life: A Collection of Home Pieces Featuring Dominic Rubio

May 9, 2024
|
By 
Rick Formalejo

Last April 30, 2024, Casa Juan unveiled a stunning array of functional art pieces, showcasing the distinctive vision of Filipino contemporary artist Dominic Rubio. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Casa Juan and Rubio, as they join forces to redefine the boundaries between art and utility.

Casa Juan Founder Michelle Asence Fontelera with Contemporary Artist Dominic Rubio

The collection, meticulously curated by Casa Juan Founder Michelle Asence Fontelera, features an assortment of side tables, jewelry boxes, clocks, and serving trays adorned with Rubio’s iconic “people types.” These whimsical figures, characterized by elongated necks and caricature-esque heads, are dressed in turn-of-the-century Philippine attire, evoking a sense of nostalgia and cultural pride. For Michelle, a shared passion for promoting Filipino artistry and heritage drived the decision to collaborate with Rubio. “I have long admired and collected the works of Dominic Rubio,” she shares. “His art strikes me as a modern interpretation of Tipos del Pais—a celebration of Filipino identity and way of life.”

From Canvas to Home Decor

Galerie Joaquin, a renowned art gallery known for championing Filipino artists on the global stage, facilitated the partnership between Casa Juan and Rubio. Together, they sought to make art more accessible to a wider audience by translating Rubio’s paintings into functional everyday objects. For Rubio, this venture represents a departure from traditional artistic mediums and a chance to reach a broader demographic. “I have been approached many times to create merchandise based on my paintings,” he explains. “But this collaboration with Casa Juan is special because it allows me to share the Filipino way of life with art enthusiasts and collectors alike.”

At the heart of the collection lies the concept of functional art—a marriage of form and function that blurs the line between aesthetic and utility. Each piece serves as a canvas for Rubio’s vivid imagination, transforming ordinary household items into works of art. From the intricate patterns adorning the jewelry boxes to the whimsical figures gracing the side tables, every detail reflects Rubio’s passion for storytelling and his deep connection to Filipino culture.

Celebrating Filipino Identity

One of the highlights of the collection is Rubio’s “Sol Dorado,” a captivating portrayal of life in Manila during the Spanish colonial era. The painting depicts men, women, and children adorned in traditional Filipino attire, congregating in a bustling plaza bathed in golden sunlight. Through his meticulous attention to detail, Rubio captures the essence of a bygone era, offering viewers a window into the rich tapestry of Philippine history and culture.

Another standout piece is “Paseo en Moto,” which translates to “motorcycle ride” in Spanish. Inspired by Rubio’s love for retro aesthetics and urban exploration, the painting depicts a couple joyriding through the streets of Manila on a vintage Vespa. With its vibrant colors and dynamic composition, “Paseo en Moto” embodies the spirit of adventure and celebrates the timeless appeal of Filipino ingenuity and creativity.

About Dominic Rubio

Born in Paete, Laguna, in 1970, Rubio’s artistic journey began at an early age, influenced by his hometown’s rich tradition of wood carving. After studying Commercial Arts at Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts, Rubio embarked on a career in advertising before finding his true calling as a visual artist. His exploration of Filipino culture and identity has earned him widespread acclaim, with collectors and art critics alike praising his distinctive style and evocative imagery.

Today, Rubio stands as one of the foremost contemporary artists of his generation, revered for his ability to capture the essence of Filipino life with wit and charm. Through his collaboration with Casa Juan, Rubio continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, inviting viewers to engage with Filipino culture in a meaningful and accessible way. As Michelle aptly puts it, “This collection is more than just art—it’s a celebration of our shared heritage and a testament to the enduring power of creativity to unite and inspire.”

Read More: How to Make Your Home Summer-Ready

Photos courtesy of Before Deadlines

Smart Offices & Smart Hotels: The Future of Intelligent Spaces Unveiled at Glaston Tower.

Protected: Smart Offices & Smart Hotels: The Future of Intelligent Spaces Unveiled at Glaston Tower

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Modern Brutalist Homes by M Residences Katipunan.

Protected: Modern Brutalist Homes by M Residences Katipunan

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Project 223: A Modern Condo’s Hourglass-Inspired Design.

Project 223: A Modern Condo Inspired by the Hourglass

Time is a continuous progression, an ever-fleeting essence that we constantly attempt to hold. Yet, what if we could have the ability to pause it within the walls of our homes? IDr. Maureen Joyce Pineda, in her visionary Project 223 located at Cerca Alabang, has done just that. This modern condo embodies the fluid configuration […]

The ArteFino Resort 2025 pop-up at Power Plant Mall.

ArteFino Resort Provides Fashion Aficionados with a Summer Pop-Up

For their second iteration, ArteFino Resort took over the North and South Court of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell from March 6 to 9, offering Filipinos a glimmering vision of local Filipino fashions directly inspired by the tropical nature of the country.  The summer-themed pop-up featured thirty different brands from across the Philippines, allowing city-dwellers […]

Overall shot of the interiors of Taupe restaurant.

Taupe: A Canvas for Food, Art, and Experience 

Taupe, a grayish-brown hue, goes with almost anything. It is this characteristic that prompted Francis Tolentino, Executive Chef of Taupe in Bonifacio Global City, to name his restaurant after this neutral. It is also his favorite color, and for him, donning the restaurant interiors in monochromatic tones allows the food to shine.  Tolentino worked with […]

An exhibit about the PIID for Interior + Design Manila 2025.

Interior + Design Manila 2025 Showcases New Innovations from Filipino Retailers

Interior + Design Manila 2025 opened at the SMX Convention Center from March 6 to 8. The showcase of the local design industry by the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) hoped to go beyond just exceptional design—but to make the case for the future of interior design in the country as well.  This trade […]

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]