Passions and Obsessions

Significant Ang KiuKok, other National Artists in Salcedo Auctions’ ‘Finer Pursuits’

Among the 200 valuable collectibles are a 1977 Constancio Bernardo, and an 'aparador' with a Rizal bust from Lucban estate

Ang Kiukok, ‘Man and Dog,’ 1975, oil on canvas

Salcedo Auctions’ second quarter marquee sale is about the pursuit of the finer things in life—the thrill that comes with loving a painting at first sight and learning more about the story behind its creation, finding a significant piece of furniture, or discovering a trove of valuable curios to add to your collection.

The Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art & Rare Collectibles  auction indulges these passions with over 200 important works of art by Filipino masters and leading contemporary artists, precious hardwood antique furniture, religious and ceremonial objects, ethnographic artifacts, rare books, maps, and other valuable collectibles.

This sale is headlined by one of the largest and most celebrated works by National Artist Ang Kiukok. Man and Dog, a 1975 oil on canvas measuring 56 x 35 inches, is a powerful reflection on the human dichotomy of rationality and instinct, as symbolized by the confident control and stance of the forward-looking man whose hand rests on the head of his tamed guard dog. Incorporating two of his well-known subjects, it has a sterling exhibition and publication history and even comes with the Ayala Museum exhibition banner that featured it when it was selected as one of the highlights of its Images of Nation: Ang Kiukok, The Golden Years (1954–2004) exhibition.

Also featured are National Artist Arturo Luz’s Carnival Forms No. 14 from his iconic series, which masterfully reduces the dynamic revelry into its most essential forms; National Artist J. Elizalde Navarro’s radiant Harvest Moons During the Equinox; a visually alluring 1950s still life by National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz; and National Artist Cesar Legaspi’s iconic Onslaught, marked by the sinuous forms of attenuated limbs depicting fortitude amid tribulations.

Arturo Luz, ‘Carnival Forms No. 14,’ 1993, acrylic on canvas

J. Elizalde Navarro, ‘Harvest Moons During Equinox,’ 1980, oil on canvas

Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, ‘Untitled (Still Life)’

Cesar Legaspi, ‘Onslaught,’ 1969, oil on masonite board

There are significant works by leading Filipino modernists. Justin Nuyda offers four paintings in one lot that display the changing of the seasons in Search Mindscape: Four Seasons. Nena Saguil’s 1959 Harvest is an astounding departure from her cellular style, while an Onib Olmedo still life oil on canvas painting exudes warmth and vibrancy. Also making the list is Wildflower Series II No. 7 by Constancio Bernardo. A student of the renowned German artist Josef Albers, the first living artist to be given a solo show at MoMA New York, Bernardo has the distinction of having graduated with an MFA from the prestigious Yale School of Fine Art, whose geometric abstract style predates his more popularly known contemporaries.

Constancio Bernardo, ‘Wildflower Series II No. 7,’ 1977, acrylic on wood

Salcedo’s second marquee sale this year also boasts art by Betsy Westendorp, Emmanuel Garibay, Mark Justiniani, Ramon Orlina, and Ronald Ventura. Two recently discovered works in Barcelona by Juan Luna y Novicio and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo illustrating the germination of nationhood complete this formidable line-up of important Philippine art.

The pursuit of the finer things also includes exquisite antique hardwood furniture steeped in history. The sale foregrounds the craftsmanship of Chinese furniture makers—most notably Ah Tay and Nuguid—as well as culturally significant fixtures, including an aparador with an exquisitely carved bust of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal surmounted on the crown from a principalia estate in Lucban, Quezon. Baroque silver accoutrements and ivory figures make up the religious objects on offer, while Filipino indigenous weapons, intricately wrought excavated gold, and indigenous ceremonial objects comprise the ethnographic artifacts.

 

This sale ultimately celebrates the continuing quest of Salcedo Auctions’ discerning clientele, who seek experiences outside of the mundane, and seek out objects of desire that stimulate the senses, and nourish the soul.

View the e-catalogue here: http://bit.ly/Finer-Pursuits-2023-eCatalogue

Register to bid via this link: http://bit.ly/SA-June2023-auction

In partnership with HSBC, Salcedo Auctions’ ‘Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art & Rare Collectibles’ live and online auction takes place on Saturday, 3 June 2023, at 2 pm. In-person preview starts on Thursday, 25 May and runs until Friday, 2 June from 9 am to 5 pm at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. For further inquiries, send an email to [email protected] or phone +63 917 825 7449 | +63 917 591 2191 | +63 917 107 5581.


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