In an extraordinary move to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood in 2023, Ayala Museum showcases the national treasure that has long been hidden from the public eye – Juan Luna’s lost masterpiece, Hymen, oh Hyménée! This epochal event invites us to marvel at Luna’s brilliance, as he cemented his reputation as one of the ‘master painters’ during the defining years of 1884 to 1889 in Paris.
Art historian Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo likens Luna’s historic wins to the contemporary successes of Filipinos globally: “Luna’s victories produced a groundswell of pride in his countrymen that resonates to our times with Lea Salonga’s triumph on the West End and Broadway, Manny Pacquiao’s conquest of World Boxing and last but not the least, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz bringing home the first Olympic Gold to a proud and grateful nation.”
The masterpiece, found after a decade-long search by art collector Jaime Ponce de Leon, is being unveiled to the public at Ayala Museum’s special exhibition, “Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero”. This exceptional exhibit, featuring an immersive 130″ screen and soundbar by Samsung, examines Luna’s artistry, the intricate symbolism of his painting inspired by a Roman wedding feast, and the world of 1889.
Behold the long lost masterpiece by Juan Luna now on exhibit at the Ayala Museum https://t.co/SPwYetiJg4
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) June 13, 2023
What makes this exhibit particularly significant? As Ocampo narrates a detailed video tour of the painting, visitors can delve into the complex imagery and stories of a time not their own. Moreover, a documentary film by Martin Arnaldo traces the odyssey of the painting’s recovery, providing a reflective parallel to the experience of the 19th-century Filipino diaspora, which remains relevant to the present day.
The public got a glimpse of this monumental artwork for free on Independence Day, welcoming 2,000 visitors to the exhibition’s grand opening. For those unable to attend, the documentary and video tour will be available on Ayala Museum’s website and aired on CNN Philippines on July 8.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the glory of Luna’s artistry in “Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero”, running until December 30, 2023, co-presented by Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Inc., and Insular Life (InLife) with major support by BPI and SMEG, and Samsung as the official audio-visual partner.
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