By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz
Standing in front of her 24-piece exhibit – her ninth and largest show to date – Lizanne Uychaco is a picture of understated grace and positivity. Hers is a pleasant smile, a well-placed and natural accessory to her unembellished persona.
“I have been painting since I was a child,” starts off Lizanne. “My mom said that when I was two years old, if I didn’t have crayons and watercolor, I would attack her dresser and get her lipstick.” Her mother would then spank her hand. This, according to Lizanne, is probably the reason why she disliked putting on makeup as an adult.
The young girl, however, would grow in the midst of Chinese tradition and tales of good fortune. She would often see Feng Shui masters, who also happened to be family friends. One of them gave her a particular lucky coin, which soon inspired her signature style in art. She would incorporate coins in most of her paintings, making her artworks recognizable long before you see her signature scrawled at the bottom of the canvas.
So, what happened to that lucky coin? Let’s just say Lizanne’s art survived it. “I had it until it corroded. It really corroded and fell part, okay, because it got so thin. Well, I should have kept it. It was very nice.”
Well, the coin may be long gone, but the art it inspired in Lizanne never left. Uychaco’s artworks – many of which use the coin as a central element – are positive representations of harmony among heaven, nature and humanity. The use of olden oriental coins, as well as the vibrant display of colors in her inspired depiction of fabrics, animals, sceneries and the changing of seasons can also be traced to the artist’s Chinese roots.
Nestor Jardin, former president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines says, “The art of good fortune comes alive on the canvas of this visual artist, as she brings a modern interpretation to age-old symbols of prosperity, longevity and happiness.”
Despite the oriental flavor though, some of the pieces exude decidedly Filipino elements – the most memorable of which is a series of Bululs integrated into one of her mixed medium pieces. The sheen and texture of the artworks also showcase Lizanne’s prowess in working the art of pottery, calligraphy, jewelry-making, silver craft, gold gilding and painting (in watercolor, oils and acrylics) on canvas.
(100 X 120 CM)
Usually content with debuting eight to 10 pieces each year, Lizanne’s current collection of 24 pieces is her biggest to date. It took her two years to finish, squeezing in time to paint during weekends and painting holidays. She is, after all, a busy woman, who aside from being an artist, is also senior vice president of SM Investment Corp., and trustee and president of the Sunshine Place, a foundation dedicated for senior recreation, enabling people to paint, fulfill bucket lists and develop their minds, bodies and souls.
“With every of Art and Wine Exhibit we open, we want to underscore Conrad Manila’s commitment to art and culture; and with Lizanne’s exhibit, our support in highlighting women and their outstanding achievements,” says Laurent Boisdron, general manager of Conrad Manila.
Aside from the amazing art, the launch of the “Heaven and Earth” exhibit also marked the successful partnership between Conrad Manila and Pernod Ricard wines and spirits – a brand that also revels in the celebration of art, life and culture.
Catch Lizanne Uychaco’s captivating works at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C until August 11, 2019. For more information, please call Angelica Restrivera at (632) 833-9999, or email conradmanila@conradhotels.com.
