Beneath The Surface Of Luxury Art
In the world of high art and luxury, where rarity is measured in visuals of polished perfection, Canadian artist and collector Abraham Reyes seeks to redefine the essence of value.
Abraham Reyes | Photo By George Pimentel
For his new luxury art collection and début solo exhibition Beneath the Surface, Abraham Reyes transforms rare treasures like natural wild pearls, gemstones and antiquities into breathtaking, large-scale works of art.
Held at Avant Garde in Toronto, the exhibition unveils pieces that blend history, cultural identity and opulence. But Beneath the Surface is more than just a visual indulgence; it is a deeply personal reflection of Reyes’ journey, his Filipino heritage and his lifelong relationship with rare objects. “Instead of using the traditional paint on canvas, I used what was given to me, which is the gems, the antiquities to create the pieces,” Reyes explains. The result? What he calls “jewelry for the walls.”
Reyes, owner of the Giga Pearl — the world’s largest authenticated natural pearl — has spent years studying the essence of rarity. His fascination with gems and antiquities was cultivated in childhood under the guidance of his godmother, a passionate collector.
Are diamonds or gold really rare? Reyes asks, challenging mainstream ideas of luxury. “Because when you find a vein in the mines, OK, you find gold. You know where the end is going to be — a bigger volume of gold, yes. But, unlike gold, a pearl — a wild one — when you look down to the water, can you guess where the pearl is? No.”
It is this belief in the unseen beauty of nature that informs his work. Each pearl, each gemstone in Beneath the Surface carries its own history, shaped by time and the unpredictable forces of the natural world. For Reyes, true rarity is not about artificial perfection but the unique stories etched within these materials. “Because inside the gem, for example, even the surface of the pearl, the natural ones, the true natural ones will have their own characteristics. So, each one is like a universe within itself.”
The opening night of Beneath the Surface was as much a personal milestone for Reyes as it was a public unveiling. After five years of meticulous work and six months of preparation, the exhibition faced an unexpected challenge — a major snowstorm. Yet nearly 200 guests braved the elements, drawn not just by the promise of luxury but by the chance to experience something truly unique.
“Witnessing the genuine reaction of the people, that was something very special to me,” explains Reyes, when reflecting on the opening of his exhibition. “For them to see the art, it’s something that I’ve worked hard on. And for them, they can’t lie when they’re standing right in front of you.”
Reyes’ art is deeply personal, a reflection of his identity and lived experiences. His memories of the Philippines are woven into every piece, tributes to the traditions and craftsmanship of his homeland. “I’m very proud to be Canadian and to represent Canada in the Philippines at this level of art,” he shares. “Canada is my home, and I believe in our value, which comes from being multicultural.”
While his pieces are undeniably opulent — some featuring up to 6,000 carats of gemstones — Reyes is not driven by extravagance alone. At the heart of Beneath the Surface is an educational mission. “Educating people, I think, is what drives me. I want them to learn about these kinds of natural wonders and what is really, truly rare as opposed to what we’ve been conditioned to perceive as valuable.” His work challenges collectors and art enthusiasts to look beyond polished surfaces and discover the deeper, more meaningful beauty that lies beneath.
With Beneath the Surface, Reyes has not only created art, he has sparked a conversation about rarity, heritage and the hidden stories of nature. In doing so, he invites the world to see luxury through a new lens — one where true beauty is not simply displayed, but also deeply understood.
INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO
