Gavel&Block, the subsidiary of the country’s premier auction house, Salcedo Auctions, set new world records last July 23 with an untitled market scene oil by Norma Belleza going for P2,569,600, and Ang KiuKok’s Christ sold at P1,401,600.
Norma Belleza’s untitled piece is a 3.25 x 7.2-ft oil-on-wood painting, one of the largest in the auction, bearing the artist’s bold, dense strokes and vivid colors capturing the vibrance and energy of a traditional Filipino market scene. The winning bid was almost triple the piece’s estimate—setting a new benchmark for the artist and securing Salcedo’s reputation as the country’s premier auction house and barometer of the local art market. Belleza joins other modern masters such as the late Justin Nuyda and Betsy Westendorp, whose works have seen growing demand in recent years, a long overdue recognition of her legacy.
Ang Kiukok (1931–2005), ‘Christ,’ signed and dated ‘1993,’ oil on canvas, 39 x 12 cm (15 1/2 x 5 in). (Estimated at P750,000–P850,000, sold for P1,401,600)
National Artist Ang Kiukok’s Christ fetched P1,401,600, a new record for the small painting measuring 15 ½ x 5 inches.
Arturo Luz (1926–2021), ‘Untitled (Nude in Red),’ signed and undated, acrylic on canvas. 60 x 44.5 cm (24 x 17 1/2 in). (Estimate Php 500,000-600,000, Sold at: PhP 817,600)
Arturo Luz (1926 – 2021). Untitled (Woman in Black). Signed and undated, acrylic on canvas, 59.5 x 59.5 cm (23 1/2 x 23 1/2 in). (Estimated at P600,000-P700,000, sold for P934,400)
Similar market milestones were achieved for National Artist Arturo Luz—two paintings, minimalist depictions of the human figure rendered in Luz’s signature fine, precise lines. An untitled work (Nude in Red) sold for P817,600, while another untitled piece (Woman in Black) went for P934,400.
Ramon Orlina (B. 1944), ‘Study of Prism V,’ signed and dated 1993, carved green glass, 19 x 15 x 11 cm (7 1/2 x 6 x 4 in). (Estimated at P750,000–P850,000, sold for P1,401,600)
Mauro Malang Santos (1928–2017), ‘Red Sky,’ signed and dated ’29-X-02′, gouache, 28 x 20 cm (11 x 8 in). (Estimates at P180,000–P190,000, sold for P385,440)
As in past auctions, sculptor Ramon Orlina saw high demand—his 7 1/2 x 6 x 4 inch angular Study of Prism V sold for P1,401,600. The same can be said for the works of Mauro Malang Santos, with the artist’s Red Sky doubling its initial high estimate to sell at P385,440.
Ferdie Montemayor (B. 1965), ‘OFW,’ signed and dated 2007, oil on canvas, 76 x 76 cm (30 x 30 in). (Estimated at P35,000–P45,000, sold for P245,280)
Angel Cacnio (1931–2021), ‘Sabong,’ signed and dated 2015, oil on canvas, 46 x 61 cm (18 x 24 in).
(Estimated at P38,000–P40,000, sold for P116,8000)
Sales from the contemporary art category were just as impressive, with oil-on-canvas works by Ferdie Montemayor and Angel Cacnio drawing strong bids: Montemayor’s OFW exceeded its estimate five times over, at P245,280. Two collectors fought hard for Cacnio’s Sabong, its final price of P116,800 over 192 percent its high estimate.
Preparations are under way for the September auction, The Well-Appointed Life, Salcedo Auctions’ marquee event. The country’s longest-running and biggest annual auction highlights important Philippine Art and a Connoisseur Collection of rare and valuable objects geared for those who want to redefine their personal space. The list includes works by the country’s old masters, artisans, established and emerging contemporary artists, and collectible pieces by international designers.
Consignments to Salcedo Auctions’ The Well-Appointed Life are now accepted. Send images of your fine art, furniture, jewelry, timepieces, and valuable collectibles to https://salcedoauctions.com/getting-started/sell or email info@salcedoauctions.com
