Filipino Artists in their studiosPRIVATE SALE14-28 oct 2015

FOR THE BENEFIT OF

ORgANIzEd By OFFIcIAL gALLERy PARTNER: OFFIcIAL VENuE PARTNER:

Filipino Artists in their studios

priVAte sAle14 - 28 oCt 2015

the MAnilA hotelloBBY lounGe

Filipino Artists In Their Studios came about out of curiosity. We wanted to know how an artwork ends up the way it is. We were curious as to the attendant emotions

every time an artist sits down facing his canvas and starts splashing it with colors and patterns. They say that an artist gets to express his feelings through his art. We found this to be true since our curiosity

brought us to see and invade hundreds of sacred spaces—the artists’ studios. Today, 15 of our featured artists are parting with some of their masterpieces to help us in supporting the Philippine Red cross. We are indebted to all the artists and other benefactors for their great generosity.

ISABEL c. dE LEONEditor

Filipino Artists In Their Studios Manila, October 2015

MESSAGE

MESSAGE

greetings!

I would like to congratulate The Manila Bulletin Publishing on the launching of this book entitled “Filipino Artists in their studios” by Pinggot zulueta, which features artworks by

Filipino artists.

Its commitment, not only in giving your readers the truth in every news, but also in promoting Filipino art and culture is

highly commendable. The Filipino has a rich heritage which we should all be proud of and we should endeavor to make people

become aware of.

I salute you for believing in the Filipino artists and for wanting to inspire blossoming artists and non-artists to learn and be

motivated by this book.

I wish The Manila Bulletin success in achieving this noble mission. It makes the country proud, not only for its generosity in untiringly giving donations to the Philippine Red cross which enable us to pursue our commitment to providing humanitarian service, but also for its zeal in nurturing our countrymen to be well-rounded Filipinos. We look forward future partnerships

with The Manila Bulletin.

RIcHARd J. gORdON

chairman Philippine Red cross

MARcEL ANTONIOThe Stranger2010Acrylic on canvas101.6 x 76.2 cm (40 x 30 in)PHP 315,000

101

This painting, a one-of-a-kind work culled from the artist’s private collection, is a good

example of Antonio’s narrative approach to his practice. The aesthetic component of blending colors allows multiple scenes to be played out, giving the work an aura of thought-provoking

resonance. The eponymous stranger in the title is the man behind a curtain, wearing a fedora.

The idea is that each section of the painting represents a different part of a larger narrative—

of which the viewer is supposed to inject meaning to. This also lends to the surrealist and

metaphysical aspect to his practice.

BENJIE cABANgISThey Were Hoping for a Good Weather2013Acrylic on canvas122 x 122 cm (48 x 48 in)PHP 250,000

102

This masterpiece is a fine signature piece from one of the most important artists in Philippine art history. Cabangis’ demonstrates an affiliation with linear abstraction, reminiscent of an architectural blueprint or diagram. The line patterns contrasts the organic hues of its surroundings. Cabangis, one of the most consistent practicing abstractionists working today and a 1978 Thirteen Artist Awardee, works with a layered aesthetic. His gauze-like variance of hue application techniques removes his practice – and this painting in particular – from the cold geometric abstractions of his peers.

ROSScAPILITrees are Made of Butterflies III2015Acrylic on canvas91.5 x 91.5 cm (36 x 36 in)PHP 200,000

103

The artist’s latest direction takes the discipline of abstraction with the organic imperfections of the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi sabi.

In this work, RossCapili incorporates butterfly imagery to align the work to a sense of nature.

The butterfly motif is a favorite of the artist, and is a part of an ongoing series.

104SALVAdOR

cHINgLast Bite

2015Acrylic and

graphite101.6 x 91.4 cm

(40 X 36 in)PHP 95,000

A tour de force of social abstraction, Ching is an artist known for his trailblazing commentary on social issues, particularly the pervading influence of US policy and culture on the Philippines. This painting, a never-before-seen work, illustrates this legacy by abstracting popular imagery that symbolizes America and juxtaposing it with turn-of-the-century Philippine photographic prints and the idea of temptation as symbolized by the apple.

gIg dE PIOMadonna2010Acrylic on canvas122 x 91.4 cm (48 x 36 in)PHP 480,000

105

Gig de Pio is highly sought-after for his portraits, of which this is a magnificent

signature piece.. “Madonna” is from the artist’s private collection, and explores the idea of

femininity and the inherent beauty of the female form.. The modern pop music singer Madonna is depicted as an icon of this idea,

both in her 1980’s and 1990’s incarnation. The painting functions as a portrait, allowing the contrast of two images of the “Material Girl,”

while staying true to her essence.

MARIO dE RIVERAMagnificatUndatedMixed media oil, pencil modeling paste and photo transfer51 x 51 cm (20 x 20 in)PHP 100,000

106

The painting is a figurative approach that recalls 19th and early 20th century religious paintings as an aesthetic ideal. The frame itself is an element, drawing attention to the entire artistic process. The entirety of the artwork, a mixed-media piece, utilizes re-purposed antique frame as an integrated found object.

FIL dELAcRuzAnswered Prayer2014Oil on wood128.3 x 71.1 cm (50.5 x 28 in)PHP 180,000

107

Fil Dela Cruz is a renowned artist known for taking disparate images and forming

abstract narratives within his practice. The painting, culled from the artist’s private

collection, is of an unusual shape, which is reminiscent of the fragmented imagery

on the canvas itself, broken only by the abstracted figure of a woman in the corner,

as well as the flowers scattered round.

RAMON dIAzSerene Color Burst

2014Oil on paper

58.5 x 111 cm (23 x 43 3/4 in)

PHP 81,760

108

An abstractionist of immense regard, Diaz is primarily known for juxtaposing Asian imagery with a highly-nuanced technique. This masterpiece demonstrates Diaz’s realist technique, painting koi fish that evoke a peaceful and spiritual calm. The word “fish” in Chinese sounds similar to the word for “abundance,” so koi fish has long been associated with wealth and success.

109

Edgar Doctor takes a meticulous approach to his visual art practice, which has gained him a

number of critical lauds throughout his storied career. In this never-before-seen work, Doctor

takes two powerful elements in Asian and Chinese visual art – namely the symbolism of the

color red and the fish – and creates an abstract work that recalls bold brushstrokes in Chinese calligraphy. The work also includes images of

fishermen, paying homage to the idyllic sense of nostalgia that this occupation represents.

EdgAR dOcTORFish and Red Flowers2014Acrylic on canvas59.7 x 75 cm (23 1/2 x 29 1/2 in)PHP 250,000

RAuL LEBAJOKilayKo2000Pen and ink61 x 43 cm (24 x 17 in)PHP 250,000

110

Modernist icon Raul Lebajo uses the pointalist technique of Georges Seurat and Paul Signac in making this surreal image. The monochromatic palette of his chosen medium reflects the urgency and dynamism that is characteristic of Lebajo’s oeuvre. Lebajo, a pioneer of Philippine surrealism, plays with the medium of ink on paper to create an image that evokes the type of dream-like atmosphere reminiscent of Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte.

111

Magno is one of the most well-known abstractionist in the country today, and his works have graced the homes and offices of some of the most prolific collectors and

institutions in the country. His recent series has combined pure abstractions – with a focus on organic hues and forms – with figurative imagery of women to highlight the idea of

femininity. This painting, from the artist’s own private collection, is a prime example of this

aspect of Magno’s practice.

cARLO MAgNOYour Song2014Mixed media on canvas152.4 x 121.9 cm (60 x 48 in)PHP 275,000

112RAMON ORLINA

Triumph in Amber

2015Carved amber

crystal31 x 24 x 15 cm (12 1/2 x 9 1/2

x 6 in)PHP 250,000

Known more for his abstract work in green glass, this rare amber glass sculptor by Ramon Orlina reflects his status as a pioneer in sculpting in that medium. The jagged edges reflect the medium’s genesis as a cullet in a glassmaking kiln. Orlina’s technique shapes these raw forms into beautiful abstract sculptures, such as this work.

PABLO BAEN SANTOSJeep JamOil on canvas2015122 x 61 cm (48 x 24 in)PHP 250,000

113

Using the urban chaos of contemporary Manila life, Santos’ characteristic bold brushstrokes

highlights the dynamism and verve of the urban jungle. The surrealist blending of images,

as well as the bright palette, brings to life the feeling of living in a growing city. The work is a personal favorite of the artist, who draws from

his own experience as an urban dweller.

ROy VENERAcIONMind and Time2009Acrylic on canvas85 x 107 cm (33 1/2 x 42 in)PHP 220,000

114

A thoughtful painter, the prolific practice of Roy Veneracion has been the subject of much critical praise in the span of his career. This painting channels the renowned abstractionist Mark Rothko by utilizing Veneracion’s own unique brand of organic abstraction to reflect the discipline of a structured mind. The texturized surface evokes the calm serenity of nature, the environment, and the artist’s own connection to the larger world.

NESTOR OLARTE VINLUANFrom Watching Skies2014Acrylic on canvas122 x 122 cm (48 x 48 in)PHP 560,000

115

Vinluan is, in many ways, an abstractionist’s abstractionsist. The former dean of the UP College

of Fine Arts brings a considered approach to geometric abstraction, creating works that are

nuanced, considered, and sophisticated. This work is almost symmetrical in approach, recalling perhaps

the phenomenon of a lunar eclipse.

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