Style and sophistication through important Philippine art and furniture (Sabong News)
Author
Joe Priela
Date
MARCH 11 2022
In the midst of rapid change, artists have sought inspiration from flora and fauna, blending aesthetics and function. At the turn of the century, the world was coming to terms with the Industrial Revolution, all the new technologies, and the changes that came with them. Bright and vivid, ornate, geometric, luxurious—the style that emerged was an ode to craftsmanship in an era of mass production.
Fast forward to the present, where change infiltrates every aspect of modern living, people are once again craving a return to nature—nostalgia permeates our consciousness. In response to digitalization and the myriad challenges that we currently face, art and furniture aficionados alike are seeking connections, embracing the organic forms of yesteryears that provide comfort and reassurance.
Inspired by this, Salcedo Auctions presents its first major auction of the year, “Important Philippine Art & Furniture, including Tribal & Ethnographic Art,” which takes place at Salcedo’s NEX Tower sale room at 2 p.m. this Saturday, March, 12. It will also be live online via
. Featuring works from the country’s old and modern master artists and artisans to established contemporary artists, collectors will be spoiled for choice with this tightly curated selection of paintings, sculpture, drawings, and original fine prints, as well as furniture and objets d’art of exquisite craftsmanship. Celebrating the nation’s tangible history over nearly a decade, this annual auction is the trusted barometer and benchmark of the Philippine art market as can be seen in a selection of highlights.
A recurring theme in National Artist BenCab’s artistic career, the “
” series captures on canvas the image of the turn of the century Filipinas against modernist backdrops, situating them in the present. Consequently, National Artist for Visual Arts José Joya had an immense impact on the development of the Philippine post-war art scene. His imposing masterpiece “Festival” combines linear and geometric aspects, calculated levels of overlapping transparency, and impressions of intentional movement to create works that attract and delight.
An exceptionally exquisite and rare
made by the
of Isabelo Tampinco, recognized as one of the greatest Filipino sculptors at the turn of the 20th century, is also one of
. Tampinco’s details are the epitome of grand, luxurious, and well-appointed living. Art aficionados can also look forward to a sterling line up of works that include a rare 1930 oil on canvas by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, as well as fellow National Artists Victorio Edades, Vicente Manansala, Cesar Legaspi, Arturo Luz, J. Elizalde Navarro, Ang Kiukok, Abdulmari Imao, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Larry Alcala. Also included are works by modern masters Mauro Malang Santos, Romulo Olazo, Juvenal Sansó, Nena Saguil, FB Concepcion, Lee Aguinaldo, Pacita Abad and contemporary stalwarts Justin Nuyda, Ramon Orlina, Elmer Borlongan, and Ronald Ventura among many others.
Among the antique furniture, of great note is the Ah Tay Ilustrado Matrimonial Bed, that came from the estate of Magalang, Pampanga’s first doctor, the eminent legislator and former mayor Dr. Andres Luciano. Other highlights include a Bulacan Tambol Aparador, with rich patina and extravagant scale that speaks of a pampered past in a privileged setting. It is joined by a selection showcasing indigenous and ethnographic arts such as a 19th century fine pair of Bu’luls, a Boaya warrior necklace, and an exquisite Tagakaolo costume.
