When you first see Abraham Reyes’ art, it’s easy to get lost in its beauty — rough rubies, wild pearls, queen wasps, crushed diamonds. But step closer, and you’ll discover what Tunog Tao uncovered: this isn’t just art. It’s a love letter to the Philippines, written in gems and relics, layered with history and identity.
A collector of Asian antiquities and an artist by spirit, Abraham transforms rare, natural materials — from wild pearls to ancient Song Dynasty vases — into pieces that challenge our idea of value. His work doesn’t just shine. It asks questions. One piece pierces a sacred heart with a Kris sword, opening up a quiet reflection on colonization and faith. Another features preserved wasps, symbolizing female strength and support. Even temptation gets a seat at the gallery, with ruby-laced apples warning us about desire’s dangerous pull.
What sets Abraham apart is not just what he collects, but how he connects. He mixes Filipino cultural heritage with raw natural elements, then charges each piece with meaning. Many of the materials come straight from the earth, unpolished, untouched — a reminder that beauty isn’t always perfect. Some even glow in the dark, staying lit long after the lights go out.
Abraham Reyes doesn’t just create. He reclaims. He repurposes. He dares to use relics of the past to shape a conversation about who we are — and where we come from.
In his hands, the forgotten becomes unforgettable. Beneath the surface, he says, there’s always something more.
