Gavel&Block, the subsidiary of the country’s premier auction house Salcedo Auctions, holds its July edition of ‘art+design’ on July 23, showcasing significant artists whose works are coveted more and more by a growing number of collectors. These collectors define the dynamism of the Philippine art scene today.
Every quarter, Gavel&Block features pieces for both emerging collectors and art connoisseurs. This July edition has a diverse line-up of almost 500 lots of modern and contemporary art, décor, fashion, fine prints, crystal, porcelain, silver, rare maps and books.
The highlights include works by foremost contemporary Filipino artists—National Artists Ang Kiukok, Arturo Luz, Vicente Manansala, and Mauro Malang Santos, Ramon Orlina, Romulo Olazo, Fernando Zóbel, Norma Belleza, Onib Olmedo, Nunelucio Alvarado, Charlie Co, and Juvenal Sansó.
Norma Belleza (b. 1939). Untitled (Market Scene). Signed and dated ‘1998’ (lower right), oil on wood, 99 x 220 cm (39 x 86 1/2 in). Estimate: PHP 850,000-950,000
The auction boasts a sizable oil on wood by Norma Belleza, who is known for her detailed work in the folk genre. Belleza’s vibrant depiction of a market scene bears a rustic charm through its thick application of oils. The various elements in this composition—a lively palette—amount to an imposing presence.
Arturo Luz (1926 – 2021). Untitled (Nude in Red). Signed (lower left) and undated, acrylic on canvas. 60 x 44.5 cm (24 x 17 1/2 in). PHP 500,000-600,000
Arturo Luz (1926 – 2021). Untitled (Woman in Black). Signed (lower right) and undated, acrylic on canvas, 59.5 x 59.5 cm (23 1/2 x 23 1/2 in). Estimate: PHP 600,000-700,000
Other highlights are an oil-on-canvas depiction of the head of Christ by National Artist Ang Kiukok and two delightful minimalist depictions of the human figure by National Artist Arturo Luz. Kiukok pays homage to the classic image of the Crucifixion through the recognizable prominence of the crown of thorns. The narrow vertical composition is form reduced into elongated shapes and sharpened corners—the iconic trademark of an Ang Kiukok. Meanwhile, quintessential Luz are the iconic blacks, reds, and yellows in Woman in Black and Nude in Red. The proportions of their limbs are exaggerated, yet not so much as to make them dissimilar to the human form. The pursuit of perfection that Luz became known for remains evident in the fine, precise lines.
RAMON ORLINA (B. 1944). Study of Prism V. Signed and dated ‘1993’ (lower left), carved green glass, 19 x 15 x 11 cm (7 1/2 x 6 x 4 in). Estimate: PHP 750,000 – 850,000
MACKENZIE-CHILDS. A tea set service for 6 with a serving plate. 6 Teacups, 6 Saucers, 1 ‘Lemon Curd’ teapot in Honeymoon Yellow, 1 Serving plate. 6.5 x 11 x 9 cm (2 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in) – 21 x 30 x 20 cm (8 x 12 x 8 in). Estimate: PHP 28,000 – 30,000
LALIQUE. A frosted crystal ‘Ermenonville’ vase. 14.5 x 11 x 11 cm (5 1/2 x 4 x 4 in). Estimate: PHP 10,000 – 12,000
LLADRÓ. A lot of 2 porcelain ‘Utopia’ figurines, no. 8244. 30 x 9 x 8 cm (12 x 3 1/2 x 3 in) / 30.5 x 10 x 9 cm (12 x 4 x 3 1/2 in). Estimate: PHP 17,000 – 19,000
BACCARAT. A crystal ‘Sitting Egyptian Cat’ figurine. 16 x 6 x 7 cm (6 x 2 x 3 in). Estimate: PHP 7,000 – 8,000
The auction carries collectibles of classic to contemporary design for the home, including crystal by Baccarat, Swarovski, Waterford, Lalique, Tiffany & Co., and Ralph Lauren, as well as porcelain figurines from the Spanish house of Lladró. Also notable is the inclusion of a fashion category featuring leather bags by Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo and Cartier. Alongside these accessories is a rich assemblage of emerald, pearl, diamond, and gold jewelry.
LAO LIANBEN (B. 1948). Untitled (Circle). Signed and dated ‘1983’ (lower left), lithograph H.C. 333/999, 15 x 14 cm (6 x 5 1/2 in). Estimate: PHP 14,000 – 16,000
JUL B. DIZON. An emerald bead choker with sterling silver hardware. Total wt 166.22g, necklace 31 cm (12 in), stamped ‘925’ on the clasp, accompanied by a presentation box. Estimate: PHP 45,000 – 50,000
There are also fine print editions of the works of both Filipino and international masters. Over the years, the art of printmaking has transformed from guild-based craftsmanship to adventurous and experimental art medium. These are works created either directly or indirectly by an artist or his/her estate, or by an institution that has secured the artist or estate’s permission to produce these works. Their limited production number makes these pieces highly collectible. This auction includes pieces by National Artists Carlos “Botong” Francisco, H.R. Ocampo, and BenCab, as well as works by Anita Magsaysay-Ho, and Lao Lianben.
MAURO MALANG SANTOS (1928 – 2017). Red Sky. Signed and dated ’29-X-02′ (lower right), gouache, 28 x 20 cm (11 x 8 in). Estimate: PHP 180,000 – 190,000
FERNANDO ZÓBEL (1924–1984). Orilla XV. Handsigned (lower left) and undated (c 1980), serigraph, 40 x 30 cm (16 x 12 in). Estimate: PHP 70,000 – 80,000
The Gavel&Block ‘art+design’ auction will take place online on Saturday, July 23, 2022, 11 a.m. Register to bid and browse the catalogue at salcedoauctions.com. For inquiries, email info@salcedoauctions.com or phone +632 8 8230956 | +63 9171075581.
