Eighty-eight exquisite paintings by some of the country’s leading artists are currently up for bids in the Avant Auction House’s “Alluring” online-only auction which culminates in a real-time lot-by-lot public sale on Aug. 19. We previewed the collection and following is our short list of the season’s standout finds.
Lot 1—“Dance of Defiance” by Benedicto Cabrera, resin, 2015
National artist BenCab reimagines his long-time muse Sabel in three-dimensional form in this rare sculpture. Here, she stands supple and strong, graceful and proud, an ode to the Filipino woman and mother country.
Lot 20— “Sweets,” by Michael Cacnio, brass, 2013
In this piece, Michael Cacnio deviates from traditional Filipino games and references the once-popular app Candy Crush Saga in a whimsical work that both celebrates and critiques our fleeting preoccupations in the digital age.
Lot 27—“Untitled #234,” by Romulo Olazo, acrylic, 1989
Best known for his Diaphonous series, Romulo Olazo was a master abstractionist. This work is an exceptional deviation from his signature aesthetic of visual translucence but nevertheless manifests the artist’s sense for calm and temperance.
Lot 34— “Mother and Child,” by José Joya, pastel, 1995
Through his twilight, National Artist José Joya continued to sketch vigorously, exploring new subjects and techniques. In this late work, Joya situates a Madonna and her child against a background of bamboos, a departure from earlier and more austere compositions.
Lot 40— “Guadalupe Ruins,” by Fernando Amorsolo, oil on canvas, 1946
In this masterful composition, National Artist Fernando Amorosolo reflects upon the ravages of World War II and its aftermath as he depicts what remains of the Guadalupe church foregrounded by a blossoming fire tree, a metaphor for hope and rebirth.
Lot 46—“Boy with a Hat,” by Anita Magsaysay-Ho, watercolor, 1946
This rare, ovular piece from one of the country’s most celebrated modernists is a gem hinting as it does at the magnitude of the talent that has yet to become.
Lot 51—“Biowork: Bundok Banahaw 2,” by Buen Calubayan, oil on canvas, 2015
Buen Calubayan’s entrancing landscape is an unapologetic rendering of the artist’s contemplative countenance, the material offspring of his often polemic but always personal introspections.
Lot 88—“Feeling Joyful at Dawn,” by Juvenal Sansó, acrylic on canvas, circa 1970s
In this signature piece, Juvenal Sansó’s seascape is evidence of the artist’s resilient spirit, a metaphor for his storied journey toward self-discovery and peace.–CONTRIBUTED
Interested bidders may register and bid online at www.avantauctions.com The collection is on view at Gallery Big, LRI Design Plaza, Bel-Air, Makati City. Call 7758888, 6667755.
