The vibrant world of Filipino art is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Justin Nuyda, a multi-talented artist who was both a painter and a renowned lepidopterist. Nuyda, who received the prestigious CCP 13 Artists Award in 1972, was known for his abstract landscapes, aptly named ‘Search Mindscapes,’ which reflected the intricate beauty of his beloved butterflies. This artistic journey, as well as Nuyda’s deep connections within the art community, are celebrated in the recent ‘Origin Story’ exhibit, held at the restaurant Hapag in commemoration of his 80th birthday.
Ayni Nuyda, Justin’s daughter, carries on her father’s legacy with a deep understanding of his art and a commitment to fostering a vibrant artistic community. Growing up surrounded by the legendary ‘Saturday Group,’ a collective of Filipino modernist artists including Cesar Legazpi, Alfredo Roces, and H.R. Ocampo, Ayni witnessed firsthand the camaraderie and intellectual exchange that fueled the creative spirit. ‘I remember the group’s nude sketching sessions,’ she recalls, ‘where I gained an early and deep appreciation for the human form.’ These sessions were more than just technical exercises; they were lively spaces for conversation and exchange, where everyone, including children like Ayni, was welcome. This early exposure fostered in her a mature understanding of how the human form is central to both art and the broader human experience.
The ‘Origin Story’ exhibit, curated by artist and writer Stephanie Frondoso, offers a glimpse into the personal side of Justin Nuyda’s life and work. It showcases portrait sketches made during the ‘Saturday Group’ sessions, highlighting the close friendships and artistic dialogues that shaped his career. One wall features over 20 versions of Justin Nuyda, many sporting a classic 70s hairstyle and glasses. Among them, Ayni highlights the portrait by Cesar Legaspi, noting its symbolic significance. ‘His portrayal of my father with butterflies symbolizes a lightness and grace that reflects the depth of their friendship,’ she says. ‘Legaspi knew my father well, and this early work shows the tenderness that artists can communicate when painting those they are close to.’
The exhibit also includes a series of portraits by BenCab, which chronicle Nuyda’s aging over time while simultaneously revealing the evolution of BenCab’s artistic style. ‘You can see how their friendship deepened through each successive portrait, as both artists matured and changed,’ Ayni observes. Nuyda’s relationships with his peers were as diverse as his art. Ayni shares how some, like Legaspi and Ocampo, were mentors who guided him early on, but others, like BenCab and Arturo Luz, were close friends and equals. This camaraderie is evident in a rare collaborative artwork where a dozen artists contributed their individual styles in mixed media.
Nuyda’s passion for butterflies was deeply rooted in his family history. His father and uncle were pioneering lepidopterists in the Philippines, and Nuyda himself began collecting specimens at the age of 12. As an adult, he traveled extensively throughout the Philippines, discovering and naming over 100 endemic species and sub-species. His butterfly collection is set to be donated to the Smithsonian Institute, a testament to his dedication to the field.
Ayni, through her Search Mindscape Foundation, is keeping her father’s legacy alive by fostering a vibrant artistic community and engaging the public through immersive experiences. Their ‘Of Echoes and Currents’ event, scheduled for October 26th at Green Sun, promises to be a day of art, music, and interactive experiences, breaking down traditional barriers to art appreciation. ‘The idea is to break down the traditional boundaries of how art is experienced,’ Ayni explains. ‘This reflects our larger vision at Search Mindscape Foundation, which is to make art a part of everyone’s life, to show that it has the power to educate, inspire, and connect us all.’ Through art, community, and a touch of her father’s playful spirit, Ayni Nuyda is carrying on a legacy of creativity, connection, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.