International design star Kenneth Cobonpue’s furniture pieces are sometimes as striking as artworks. Consider his Bloom chair, for example, which lends a jolt of joy in any room, or his weblike Dragnet in red, at once conversation piece and source of comfort. And then there’s his Limbo chandelier that is really more sculptural wonder than anything.
But when Cobonpue wants other creative works to live among those which he created, he usually looks to artists like Ronald Ventura, Charlie Co, Rodel Tapaya, Kiko Escora, and Christian Tamondong. “I am attracted to art that touches me,” says the designer, “or makes me think, or amazes me with the masterful use of technique or elements.”
These qualities are undoubtedly present in the pieces he’s chosen as his favorites from the offerings in the upcoming Leon Gallery’s The Magnificent September Auction happening September 11. Cobonpue joins our circle of tastemakers for this particular auction co-presented by ANCX, and while more known for his fantastic collection of vintage cars, his top 5 choices of artworks reveal that his exacting standards of beauty apply in most everything he lays his eyes on.
14 | Mother and Child
Emmanuel Garibay (b. 1962)
I find Garibay’s depiction of mother and child so evocative and powerful. He masterfully portrayed deep love through the gesture of hands in gentle embrace.
28 | Untitled
Fernando Zóbel (1924 - 1984)
This piece reflects Zobel’s masterful use of a subtle color palette and meticulous technique. I find the merging of abstraction with the feeling of rain softly falling on a landscape very soothing.
30 | Play Pop
Ronald Ventura (b. 1973)
Ronald’s critiques on our identity in this highly mechanized world reminds me to continue valuing handmade crafts and to always bring warmth into the products that I design.
70 | Untitled
Arnica Acantilado (b. 1984)
Young artists bring forth fresh perspectives. Acantilado’s work led me to think of my childhood and how it has shaped my view of life.
92 | War Mongers Charlie Co (b. 1960)
92 | War Mongers
Charlie Co (b. 1960)
Charlie Co paints and tells stories without fear. I find his bold use of color and texture and reflections on a wide range of topics appealing.
The Magnificent September Auction is happening on September 11 beginning at 2PM. Check out the e-catalogue and auction offerings by going to leon-gallery.com or click on this link. The event is presented by the country’s premiere auction house Leon Gallery together with ANCX.ph, the urban man's guide to culture and style, the lifestyle website of ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel.
[Artwork images courtesy of Leon Gallery. Cobonpue portrait courtesy of the designer.]