Nothing excites me more than being around a company of people who share the same appreciation of art and the beauty it resonates. Art unites a community to come together, celebrates the geniuses behind the masterpieces, and elevates our national identity, then it is transformative, indeed.
It gives this columnist profound joy to personally witness the excitement and interest around Philippine art as Leon Gallery presented “Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2016” with a cocktail preview.
The gallery, located at Eurovilla 1 in Makati City, thoughtfully curated the setting with works of art that lend the space an eclectic soul. They managed to fill the venue with artists, luminaries and dignitaries that admired the all-Filipino collection.
This columnist shared a toast with guests and feasted on elegant nibbles deliciously created by Bizu to cheer on Leon Gallery for handpicking important works of art by highly coveted artists and highlighting significant pieces that have contributed to defining Filipino identity.
On display were valued pieces by the masters – Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya, and Ang Kiukok, including contemporary works by Ronald Ventura and Andres Barrioquinto, among other renowned Filipino artists.
Leon Gallery highlighted a piece of national history by honoring a work by no less than national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. According to them, this sculpture of a wild boar, entitled Jabali, remained in the family in one unbroken line. The piece was an inheritance of a direct descendant of Rizal’s second eldest sister, Narcisa Lopez y Rizal, giving it astounding provenance.
“Narcisa was the closest of the sisters to Jose Rizal, staying with him during the last year of his life. Carved in 1895 while in exile in Dapitan, it is one of the last works by the national hero,” explained Jaime Ponce de Leon of Leon Gallery.
He added, “It is simply a marvelous piece of history. Leon Gallery is humbled with the trust and confidence bestowed upon by the Rizal family.”
As such, they take pride that an artwork by the national hero was available for the auction market for the first time ever through their gallery.
Also on display was the work of Rizal’s friend, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. Leon Gallery presented Resurreccion Hidalgo’s powerful seascape of the formidable Chateau d’If – the prison where the Count of Monte Cristo was interned.
According to Leon Gallery, the exquisite creation marked a celebration of true friendship. Unknown to some, the piece was dedicated to the artist’s dear friend, Don Mauro Prieto y Gorricho – an illustrious figure in Manila society at the time and the artist’s neighbor on the exclusive street of Calle de San Sebastian (known now as R. Hidalgo).
As I was enjoying my moment of appreciation of the masterpieces, another BenCab painting caught my eye. Isadora in Motion was nothing short of sublime. The gigantic piece by the National Artist was a stunning tribute to the elegance in movement of the famous dancer Isadora Duncan.
The assemblage of artwork that also included very rare and collectible Philippine furniture were gathered in a single occasion for the viewing of art enthusiasts and collectors before they are auctioned off.
Judging by the intensity that evening, the demand for Philippine art through auction is one exciting (and lucrative) undertaking.
To this columnist, my fervent wish is for Filipino Art to continue to prosper. Like art, may it grow on us with pride and deepen our sense of nationalism.
(For more information, contact Leon Gallery at (02) 856-2781 or [email protected]. Like or follow @LeonGalleryMakati on Facebook and Instagram)
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