Cover Isabel Santos comes from a family of artists and has carved out a niche for herself in the Filipino art scene (Photo: Joseph Pascual)
Isabel Santos comes from a family of artists and has carved out a niche for herself in the Filipino art scene (Photo: Joseph Pascual)
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Isabel Reyes Santos may have been born into a family of celebrated artists but has charted her own path in the art world. She opens up about her journey from finding museums boring to becoming a prominent name in contemporary Filipino art
With an upbringing rooted in creativity—the granddaughter of cartoonist and illustrator Mauro “Malang” Santos and daughter of respected artists Soler and Mona Santos—Isabel Reyes Santos was practically born with a paintbrush in hand.
Through her art, often a commentary on contemporary culture, Santos has carved out a niche for herself as one of the Philippines’ most intriguing visual artists. The young artist repurposes and reconfigures images and icons from comics, old Hollywood and more to create artworks that are as thought-provoking as they are visually striking.
She is preparing for an upcoming solo show in Quezon City’s West Gallery in September, and group shows at Blanc Gallery (September) and Mo Space (November). To cap off the year, she will also join the family show and year-ender at Silverlens, with a feature at Bencab Museum in December. We caught up with Santos to discover the personality behind the art.
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No formal art training
Art was a way of life in the Santos family. Her grandfather was a celebrated cartoonist and painter, while her parents are both artists who own the contemporary art space West Gallery. “I’ve been exposed to art my whole life. We would go to a lot of museums and galleries, which at first, was a bore to me,” she shares. “As I grew up, I saw art that I liked and loved.”
With such an artistic upbringing, one might assume Santos’ path was clear from the start. “People generally think I studied fine arts, but I didn’t,” she says. Instead of a formal art education, she chose to study European and German studies in college, a choice that gave her work a worldly perspective.
Winner of the Uniqlo UT Grand Prix T-shirt design
When asked to describe her art style in three words, Santos pauses before responding, “Whatever I am feeling.” This candid answer captures the essence of her work: an ever-evolving reflection of her emotions and experiences. Her art can be vibrant and full of colour one moment, then stark and monochromatic the next, with details that shift from intricate to minimalistic.
As the Covid-19 pandemic forced everyone to stay home in 2021, Santos found herself reflecting deeply on her feelings. This introspection led to the creation of A Fortune in Jewels Kept in Your Safe, a work that reinterprets familiar elements in unique and personal ways. By simplifying and separating parts of an image, she highlights what she finds essential, crafting a distinct vision that mirrors her perspective. This piece stood out among over 10,000 entries to win the Uniqlo UT Grand Prix T-shirt design competition, a collaboration with New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
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Art greats and her dogs inspire her
Santos’ two dogs, Noah and Benny, mostly influence her creative process, schedule and daily choices. But when she finds herself stuck in a creative rut, her solution is simple: immerse herself in great art. “Art really inspires me. When I see great pieces, I am fuelled to work and try my best to make something good,” she says.
Santos looks to some of the most revered names in art history like Marcel Broodthaers, Helen Frankenthaler, Edward Hopper, Hilma af Klimt, Van Gogh and Jasper Johns. She particularly resonates with Johns, whose lack of formal training mirrors her own artistic journey. She aspires to the same level of confidence in her work, constantly pushing herself to explore new mediums and techniques.
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Couple collaboration
Above Artworks by Isabel Santos and John Lloyd Cruz showcased at ALT 2024. (Photo: Courtesy of Isabel Santos)
Above Artworks by Isabel Santos and John Lloyd Cruz showcased at ALT 2024. (Photo: Courtesy of Isabel Santos)
Artworks by Isabel Santos and John Lloyd Cruz showcased at ALT 2024. (Photo: Courtesy of Isabel Santos)
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The visual artist’s creative energy extends beyond solo endeavours. Her relationship with actor John Lloyd Cruz has also been an important part of her artistic life. The couple first met at her family’s art gallery while Cruz was on a break from showbiz. They have since exhibited their artworks together at an art collective.
Their relationship has garnered media attention, with both frequently sharing kilig moments on social media.
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Enjoying simple pleasures
Santos finds solace in one of life’s simplest pleasures: sleep. “A long sleep is the best reward,” she says, revealing a down-to-earth side that contrasts with the vibrant energy of her art. She also finds relaxation in watching The Real Housewives, a show that offers a light-hearted escape from the demands of the art world. Her favourite book, The Silmarillion by J R R Tolkien, reflects her love for mythopoeic stories and the deep, intricate worlds they create.
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
