Style and Sophistication through Important Filipino Art and Furnishings – Manila Bulletin

Salcedo Auctions presents its first major auction of the year

In the midst of rapid change, artists have drawn inspiration from flora and fauna, merging aesthetics and function. At the turn of the century, the world had to come to terms with the industrial revolution, all the new technologies and the changes that came with it. Bright and vibrant, ornate, geometric, luxurious – the style that emerged was an ode to craftsmanship in an era of mass production.

Fast forward to the present, where changes are infiltrating every aspect of modern life, people are longing for a return to nature again – nostalgia permeates our consciousness. In response to digitization and the myriad challenges we currently face, art and furniture lovers alike are seeking connections and embracing the organic forms of yesteryear that offer solace and security.

Inspired by this, Salcedo Auctions presents its first major auction of the year, Important Filipino Art and Furniture, including Tribal and Ethnographic Art, taking place this Saturday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Salcedo’s NEX Tower showroom. It will also be live online via salcedoauctions.com. Featuring works from the country’s ancient and modern master artists and craftsmen to well-established contemporary artists, collectors will be spoiled for choice with this tightly curated selection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and original fine prints, as well as furniture and exquisite craftsmanship. Celebrating nearly a decade of the nation’s tangible history, this annual auction is the trusted barometer and benchmark of the Philippine art market, as evidenced by a selection of highlights.

A recurring theme in national artist BenCab’s artistic career is the “laravanseries captures the image of turn-of-the-century Filipinas against modernist backdrops on canvas and places them in the present. Consequently, National Artist in Fine Arts José Joya had an immense influence on the development of the post-war Philippine art scene. His imposing masterpiece Festival combines linear and geometric aspects, calculated planes of overlapping transparency, and impressions of intentional movement to create works that attract and excite.

An exceptionally exquisite and rare aparador made by the greater by Isabelo Tampinco, considered one of the greatest Filipino sculptors of the turn of the 20th century, is also one of the highlights of the auction. Tampinco details are the epitome of grand, luxurious and well-appointed living. Art lovers can also look forward to a range of works, including a rare 1930 oil on canvas by national artist Fernando Amorsolo, as well as other 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 greats Justin Nuyda, Ramon Orlina, Elmer Borlongan, and Ronald Ventura, among others.

Among the antique furniture, the Ah Tay Ilustrado matrimonial bed stands out, coming from the estate of Magalang, the first doctor of Pampanga, the distinguished legislator and former mayor Dr. Andrés Luciano. Other highlights include a Bulacan Tambol Aparador with a rich patina and extravagant standards that speak of a pampered past in a privileged setting. Added to this are selections showcasing indigenous and ethnographic art, such as a fine pair of 19th-century Bu’luls, a Boaya warrior necklace and an exquisite Tagakaolo costume.

The Important Filipino Art and Furnishings, Including Tribal and Ethnographic Art auction is co-presented by exclusive banking partner HSBC Premier. The auction preview will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue.