Easily one of the most recognizable contemporary artists in the country, Ivan Acuña is a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement in the Philippines. With a non-traditional approach when it comes to showcasing his work, Acuña prefers to collaborate with interior designers who incorporates his pieces into their designs. Through the years he has had more than a dozen shows and exhibits.
Ivan Acuña commenced his journey at U.P. Diliman, initially exploring various academic paths while simultaneously pursuing a professional photography career. Within this realm, he focused on capturing product images for diverse brands, most notably Orocan. As his photography career progressed, he received an invitation to join the Saturday Group, a pivotal step that expanded his network within the art sphere. It was during this period that he crossed paths with Budji Layug, a highly educated interior designer. Layug played a crucial role by showcasing Ivan’s creations in Dubai, igniting a sequence of collaborations that encompassed fashion bags, BMW ventures, expansive paintings, and billboards, including an impactful piece for Brother’s Burger and Diamond Hotel measuring 16×16 feet. His artwork even found its way onto local TV telenovelas, as the lavish homes chosen for filming were adorned with Ivan Acuña’s artistry from wall to wall. Currently, he is poised to push boundaries, progressively erasing distinctions between his artistic endeavors and future product undertakings.
