Worth noting in this sale is a pair of drawings by the late performance artist Carlos Celdran, sketches that mirror his cultural activism. The inclusion of Celdran in the sale’s lineup marks his first appearance at a Gavel&Block auction, a recognition of his legacy, and a tribute to a burgeoning artistic career, providing new and established collectors the opportunity to acquire work that history will continue to appreciate and reassess.
The sale features a diverse lineup of fine and decorative art, crystal, porcelain, silver, rare books, maps and memorabilia.
The auction boasts works from renowned modern and contemporary Filipino artists such as National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya and BenCab, together with iconic pieces by Roberto Chabet and Juvenal Sansó among other established artists.
Also gracing the auction is a collection that ranges from classic to contemporary design-centered collectibles for the home, including refined heirloom pieces made of jade and semi-precious stones. Cocktail jewelry and crystal by Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Baccarat, Lalique and Rosenthal as well as Limoges bone china and baroque silver epergnes also add character to the sale.
Other art highlights include abstract works such as a lot of ethereal watercolors by Nena Saguil; three early paintings by Roberto Chabet, and pieces from artists Gus Albor and Romulo Olazo. The folk-genre has a strong presence in this auction with the likes of Oscar Zalameda, Angelito Antonio, Tam Austria, Cesar Buenaventura, Elias Laxa and Simeon Saulog. They serve as historical counterpoints to works by leading contemporary artists such as Jigger Cruz, Zean Cabangis and Jayson Oliveria.
“We are excited to open our 10th year with this sale, which emphasizes the joy of collecting,” says managing director Victor Silvino. “Through art+ design, we hope that more people will be able to experience the thrill of auctions, discovering a piece to start or add to their existing collections. It’s at the heart of what we do, being the leaders of the fine art and collectibles auction industry in the country, and is the perfect way to open our 10th-year anniversary celebrations.”
Gavel&Block will be holding art+design Vernissage on Feb. 1. The auction will be on Feb. 8, 2 p.m. at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
The public preview runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily from Feb. 1-7.
Online catalogue is available at salcedoauctions.com. Tel. 86594094, 88230956, 0917-1075581; email info@salcedoauctions.com; follow @gavelandblock on Facebook and Instagram.
by Elias Laxa