LOOK: You can get limited-edition functional art homeware adorned with Dominic Rubio's 'people type' paintings
Furniture and homeware pieces have always brought color and life into our spaces, but contemporary artist Dominic Rubio brings a new appreciation for home decor with his functional art collection.
Homeware brand Casa Juan has expanded its lineup of traditional home decor products with a limited-edition set of side tables, jewelry boxes, clocks, and serving trays that are all adorned with the works of Rubio.
The collection attempts to explore the concept of functional art, which refers to objects that are created with both aesthetics and utility in mind. It incorporates Rubio's distinctive "people type" paintings that depict men and women with elongated necks and caricature-esque heads wearing Philippine traditional national dress.
For the collection, the homeware pieces showcase Rubio's Sol Dorado painting, which focuses on the lifestyle of Filipinos during the Spanish period.
"Dito sa painting, gumagayak yung mga tao sa plaza, naka-Philippine costume na may iba’t ibang design, kung ano ‘yong talagang suot nila nung panahon," he said.
He added, "Pino-portray niya yung mga naging impluwensya ng mga Kastila–‘yong pananamit, social status, at siyempre ‘yong arkitektura. Gusto kong ipakita yung Maynila noong araw, parang Europe. Napakaganda. Ang sarap ipinta."
Also featured is his Paseo en Moto artwork, which depicts a couple riding a motorcycle based on the Italian luxury brand Vespa.
"Mahilig ako magpunta sa probinsya talaga. Mahilig ako mag-ATV (all-terrain vehicles). Tapos pagbaba ko, pinta ulit, tapos akyat ulit. Ngayon, in-incorporate ko ‘yong lifestyle ko ngayon sa mga works ko. Naisip kong lagyan ng Vespa ‘yong mga subjects ko, para panibagong style, tsaka bagay rin naman. Bagay siya sa pagka-neo-genre," Rubio said of his inspiration for the work.
The first-time team-up between Rubio and Casa Juan was brought about by their desire to make art more accessible. This would be the artist's first time to transform his artworks into merchandise.
"Matagal na ino-oofer sakin na gawin merchandise yung mga painting ko. Special ito sa’kin kasi nashe-share ko yun Filipino way of life sa mga tao na tumatangkilik ng art. Sana wag natin kalimutan and sarili nating kultura, lalo na [para] sa mga artists," Rubio highlighted.
He continued, "Masaya ako kasi ngayon, hindi lang sa painting or sculpture makikita ang mga gawa ko. Maibabahagi ko na sha sa mga taong mahilig sa art, kolektor man o hindi. At saka functional art siya; pwede talagang gamitin."
Casa Juan founder Michelle Asence Fontelera meanwhile explained that the goal for their expanded lineup of products is to "promote purposeful Filipino art" and is delighted by the special partnership with Rubio.
"I have long admired and collected the works of Dominic Rubio. They strike me as a modern version of Tipos del Pais. More than that, I am an avid supporter of Philippine art. So I sought out ways to collaborate with more artists to bring a piece of the Philippines and Filipino artistry into more homes," she said.
Born in Laguna in 1970, Rubio is regarded as one of the most important contemporary artists of his time. He recently he held his first major show with Galerie Joaquin in 2023, where he once again showcased the Filipina and her evolving sensibilities.