LEÓN Gallery has rounded up 205 pieces of artworks, antiques and objets d’art from prestigious provenances, most notably from the Joe and Nene Guevara collection, for its Spectacular Mid-Year Auction on June 13, at León Gallery, Eurovilla 1, Rufino and Legaspi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

León Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon noted that seeing a younger breed of collectors attend their auctions was a sure sign of the vibrancy of the art market.

"BALUT Vendor," by Napoleon Abueva — “BALUT Vendor,” by Napoleon Abueva

“For our coming Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2015, we have artworks that are sure to excite collectors of varying persuasions, interests and tastes,” De Leon said. “Over the years, apart from Old Masters and modern art pieces, we’ve been seeing more contemporary artworks by young and highly talented artists being offered—by MM Yu, Marina Cruz, Joven Mansit, Buen Calubayan, Rodel Tapaya, Andres Barrioquinto.”

Taking centerstage will be the modern art collection of Jose L. Guevarra.

Guevara was considered a legend in Philippine journalism. He had an illustrious career that saw him cover the country’s presidents from Manuel A. Roxas to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"UNTITLED," by Ramon Orlina — “UNTITLED,” by Ramon Orlina

His widely read column, “Point of Order,” which appeared daily on the editorial page of Manila Bulletin, ran for many years, until his passing in 2002.

Outside of journalism, Joe and his wife Nene were avid art collectors. Their home housed an extensive collection of Philippine art by Filipino masters, which has been described by one writer as “a collector’s envy.”

"CRUCIFIXION," by Ang Kiukok — “CRUCIFIXION,” by Ang Kiukok

The Guevara couple was fortunate to have had the opportunity to acquire these pieces directly from artists early in their careers.

The Guevaras’ taste in art was eclectic—with sculptures and paintings rounding off their collection, both in the modernist and classicist mode.

Noteworthy pieces

NENE Guevarra with President Ferdinand E. Marcos

De Leon said they were privileged to have been entrusted with the collection of Joe and Nene Guevara.

“The Guevara Collection is important because of the history of the collection and personage behind it,” said De Leon. “Joe Guevara was a highly respected and regarded journalist during his lifetime, who was lucky to have covered Philippine presidents from Roxas to Macapagal Arroyo.

“He and his wife Nene were also able to befriend all these artists—in the process earning their friendship and appreciation—and, thus, they were able to acquire pieces—they had very discriminating taste!—directly from them.”

"SABONG," by Eduardo Castrillo — “SABONG,” by Eduardo Castrillo

De Leon said the most noteworthy pieces in the collection would be two rare and iconic pieces by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco—“Landscape” and “Camote Diggers (Mga Lolang Nagbubungkal ng Lupa),” both from 1969. The former has a starting bid of P200,000, while the latter, P3 million.

Another highlight is Ang Kiukok’s 1967 oil-on-canvas “Crucifixion,” which has a starting price of P200,000.

Also of significance is Guillermo Tolentino’s untitled cast-bronze sculpture from 1922, done in Rome and probably exhibited at his first solo exhibition in the Eternal City. It will be auctioned off starting at P400,000.

Other sought-after pieces from the collection are: Napoleon Abueva’s 1968 marble sculpture “Carabao” (P400,000); Ramon Orlina’s 1996 work on Swarovski crystal (P140,000); Federico Aguilar-Alcuaz’s 1967 mixed-media “Point of Order” (P200,000), the artist’s “labor of love” for Joe Guevara; and Eduardo Castrillo’s brass sculpture “Sabong” (120,000), considered a most unusual work by the artist.

JOE Guevarra with President Corazon C. Aquino

Provenance assured

Anita Magsaysay-Ho 1979 oil-on-canvas “Fish Harvest at Dawn” is the largest work by the artist to be sold on the market, measuring 122 cm x 152 cm. It has a staggering starting price of P6 million. It came from the artist herself.

"LANDSCAPE," by Carlos "Botong" Francisco — “LANDSCAPE,” by Carlos “Botong” Francisco

“This most imposing piece from her Green Period bares her imprint of masterfully rendering oil paint in transparent layers,” De Leon said.

Among the must-see contemporary pieces featured in the auction are: Ronald Ventura’s 2006 oil-on-canvas “Journey” (P3 million); Tapaya’s 2009 acrylic-on-canvas “The Deer, the Snail and the Rattan Stories” (P300,000); and Barrioquinto’s 2015 oil-on-canvas “Love Left Behind”.

León Gallery says it has always been very judicious in the selection and review of the artworks it accepts.

“For Amorsolo,” De Leon said, “we turn to Silvia Amorsolo Lazo for authenticity. For Fernando Zobel, we consult with Don Rafael Perez Madero. For Joya, Josie Joya Baldovino. For Aguilar Alcuaz, his son Christian is there to confirm. Provenance, too, is of utmost importance.