The recently concluded auction hosted by Salcedo Auctions’ Gavel&Block saw an emerging demand for abstract artists, with some pieces sold for six to 20 times the starting bid.
From the starting bid of P18,000, Norberto Carating’s “Untitled” work was sold for P350,400 (including buyer’s premium and VAT). Nearly 20 times the starting bid.
Known for his metallic abstractions, Carating boasts over 40 years of art practice. Gavel&Block’s previous event marked the first time a Carating was offered in a sale by Salcedo Auctions.
Meanwhile, Jaime Roque’s “A Pair of Abstract Works” was sold for P116,800 from the starting bid of P18,000.
“This weekend’s auction was really about the thrill and excitement of discovering great art pieces for your collection,” enthused Salcedo Auctions managing director Victor Silvino.
“The successful sale of these pieces point not only to a prosperous start to the sale season but also to parent company, Salcedo Auctions, as we ring in our 10th year in the industry.”
In addition to artworks, other standout sales of the recent auction include decorative pieces for the home.
Romeo Taberna’s “Untitled (Countryside)” was sold for P525,600 from an estimate of P260,000 to P280,000, Cesar Buenaventura’s “Untitled (View of the Lake)” fetched P221,920 from an estimate of P45,000 to P50,000, while Gabriel Custodio’s “Untitled (Coconuts)” was sold for P210,240 from P95,000 to P120,000 estimated price.
A pair of Murano glass decorative pieces, estimated at P20,000 to P25,000 was sold for P128,480. While a silver-gilt epergne with a floral-patterned centerpiece was sold for P64,240 from P20,000 to P25,000 estimate.
Following the successful sale, the premier auction house will mount a back-to-back exhibition at the upcoming Art Fair Philippines on Feb. 21-23. Artists on focus are Luis Romero and Ricky Ambagan.
In Split Landscapes by Luis Romero and Unoccupied by Ricky Ambagan, guests can observe the shift in approach towards a shared theme, from the modernist framework of the ‘60s to the contemporary approach of today.
Romero will present his most recent iteration of a series he started over nearly 40 years ago which cuts across a variety of media and art forms. His piece explores the aesthetic of linear design in space—evidence of his architectural background.
Continuing along the same vein in Unoccupied, Ambagan will illustrate how words revolving around the idea of space shape the imagery that finds its way onto the canvas. According to the artist, words like “outside,” “inside,” “empty,” “full,” “boundary,” “maze,” “path,” “open,” “close,” and “haiku” inform his pieces.