Asian Cultural Council and León Gallery advance the future of National Artist hopefuls
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ACC chairman Ernest Escaler delivers a speech during the presscon.
Ohotographs courtesy of León Gallery, Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation Inc.
ACC PPhilippines program director-Teresa S. Rances; ACC Philippines Foundation trustees Rajo Laurel, Malu Gamboa Lindo and Ambassador Isabel Caro Wilson.
Juan Luna y Novicio (1857-1899) ‘Portrait of Irene della Rocca, signed, dated and inscribed ‘Alla Sta. / Irene Della Rocca / LVNA-Rome / 1884 (lower right), oil on canvas, 39” x 23 1/2” (99 cm x 60 cm).
Fernando Amorsolo (1892-1972) ‘Harvest,’ signed and dated 1948 (lower right), oil on canvas, 24” x 33” (61 cm x 84 cm).
José Joya (1931-1995) ‘Evening in Shanghai,’ dated 1973, acrylic, 48” x 48” (122 cm x 122 cm).
Ang Kiukok (1931-2005) ‘Mother and Child,’ signed and dated 1993 (upper left), oil on canvas, 24” x 12” (61 cm x 30 cm).
Alfonso Ossorio (1916-1990) ‘Sun Hanging,’ signed and dated 1961 (verso) mixed media, 28” x 9 1/2” (71 cm x 24 cm).
Ramon Orlina (b. 1944) ‘Family United,’ signed and dated 2020, carved peridot glass, 17” x 20 3/4” x 20 1/2” (43 cm x 53 cm x 52 cm).
Justin Nuyda (1944-2022) ‘Mindscape Series,’ signed and dated 2009 (side), oil on canvas, 48” x 24” (122 cm x 61 cm).
Several knowledgeable insiders claim it is an ideal match made in heaven.
The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Philippines Foundation, Inc., now on its 25th year, is set to hold its annual auction in partnership with León Gallery on Saturday, 22 February. This year’s affair will feature an exquisite collection of 140 paintings, sculptures and antiques, with proceeds directly funding the grants of the latest batch of ACC fellows. These young outstanding Filipino artists, scholars and professionals in various art disciplines, like their predecessors, will embark on cultural exchange projects in the United States, India, and Japan, with fervent hopes that one day, they, too, can become National Artists.
Since its establishment in 1963, the ACC has awarded grants to over 300 well-deserved Filipinos across multiple disciplines, to include the performing arts, visual arts, archaeology, and curatorship.
Notably, nine of its grantees have become National Artists, such as Jose Joya for visual arts, Alejandro Roces for literature, Alice Reyes for dance, Lamberto Avellana and Kidlat Tahimik for film, and Ramon Santos, Francisco Feliciano, Jose Maceda and Lucrecia Kasilag for music.
Reflecting on this milestone, ACC Philippines Foundation Inc. chairman Ernest Escaler shared, “This year holds special significance as we commemorate ACC Philippines’ silver anniversary. For the past 25 years, we have championed the advancement of Filipino artists and their craft, alongside a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the transformative power of the arts.”
Meanwhile, Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de León expressed his gratitude for a decade of collaboration, stating, “This year marks our 10th year of collaboration with our friends at the Asian Cultural Council, to which we have always earmarked our opening salvo for every year within the past decade. The past 10 years have been fruitful; collaborating with the ACC in their pursuit of granting numerous talented Filipino artists opportunities to spread their creative wings abroad has always been our utmost privilege.”
Let’s look at some of the standouts from the much-awaited auction:
It is a stunning example of his portraiture. Its pale palette and impressionistic background characterize the master’s versatility and his gift to capture the elegance of his subjects.
A masterpiece of abstract expressionism and originally a gift to the mayor of the City of Cuenca in Spain, it represents his innovative use of color and form. Its significance in his career is underscored by its inclusion in international media coverages.
It depicts a bountiful blessing shared by a close-knit community, captures the essence of rural Filipino life, unity and celebration. The painting with the golden sun radiates warmth, illuminating the smiling faces of farmers, a hallmark of his iconic style.
It exposes the bustling energy of colonial Shanghai. Painted during a cultural mission to China, this obra marks a pivotal moment in Philippine-China relations. Its muted palette and dynamic composition reflects his ability to blend Eastern and Western influences.
It commemorates the strength and resilience of the Filipina. Dedicated to “the women of the Philippines,” it pays homage to their grace and diligence through dynamic compositions and fluid movements.
It shows vibrant, tropical colors and intricate patterns, a symphony of 17 shades of red, evoking the energy of Philippine summers. Its complex, honeycomb-like structure invites viewers to explore its depths, making it a standout piece.
It exemplifies his minimalist style, reducing carnival acrobats
to geometric forms. Stark black, white, and red palette captures the energy and simplicity of performance, reflecting his Zen-inspired approach to art.
It outlines his minimalist approach, using black, white, and yellow to evoke the sleepless nights of his youth. Drips and layered strokes create a haunting, introspective atmosphere, exemplifies his genius in monochromatic art.
This departs from his typically anguished style to portray a tender moment between a mother and her child. The figures’ intertwined forms and soft colors convey a profound sense of love and protection, highlighting his versatility and feelings.
It offers a bird’s-eye perspective of Manila’s historic park. Created during his prolific landscape period, it combines impressionistic brushstrokes with a cycloramic view, capturing the essence the metro.
It belongs to her Lyrical Abstraction period, characterized by swirling black and gray tones and evocatively captures a sense of creeping dread, reflecting her emotions and innovative approach to abstraction.
A surrealist masterpiece, blending religious symbolism with abstract expressionism, its intricate details reflect his fascination with primitive art and his innovative use of materials.
The glass sculpture teases with light and perspective. Its dynamic forms and translucent layers produce an interactive experience, reflecting his dedication to family and his dedication to glass art.
It draws inspiration from the retablo mayor of San Francisco Church in Intramuros. This Neo-Realist work reflects the artist’s childhood memories and his deep connection with our religious traditions. Its layered forms and intricate details showcase his mastery of cubism and his unique perspective.
It explores the interplay of transparency and opacity. This experimental piece features overlapping layers of color, with opaque brushstrokes at its center. A departure from his famous Diaphanous series, this work focuses on his continuous innovation and mastery of abstract art.
A striking departure from his colorful barung-barong series and dominated by red and black, it reflects the harsh realities of urban life. Its congested forms and bold colors spotlight his skill as a revered colorist.
It portrays the resilience of the working class. Set against a blood-red sky, hollowed figures and empty cement pipes evoke a sense of quiet endurance. This work is considered one of his most important pieces.
It depicts a poetic landscape, marked by its iconic rock formations and atmospheric depth. This transitional work shows the artist’s journey from trauma to serenity, capturing the beauty of desolation.
It combines surrealism with his love for nature. Swirling blues and oranges evoke the majesty of mountain skies, hints on his ability to blend abstraction with natural beauty.
It explores the nuances of color and light. Its transitions from white to green gives birth to a visual spectrum, inviting viewers to appreciate the interplay of opposites.
The preview is set for 18 February. The auction will be held at the León Gallery in Makati City.
¡Enhorabuena, ACC and León Gallery!
