They say the best art is political. So does that mean men like the Senator Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri can intuit great art faster than you and me? After all, he has lived a life immersed in politics since he was young, serving as chief of staff to his father when the latter was still in Congress.
It just makes sense then that the Senator is part of our list of tastemakers for the León Gallery Magnificent September Auction, co-presented by ANCX. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that the legislator is also an art collector, and a familiar presence in exhibitions, auctions and art fairs.
As a member of our tastemakers circle, we asked the Senator to draw up a wishlist—if money were no object—from this September’s spectacular lineup of offerings. Treat it as a guide, dear reader, should you wish to take part in the auction yourself (see the info on how to register below), maybe even outbid the Senator should he consider staking his claim on a piece or two from his list come September 19, auction day.
Have you been wondering what Senator Zubiri looks for when it comes to art? Judging from his list, he possesses an affinity for the modern masters, and is quick to acknowledge a strong political statement when he spots it.
Lot 24
José John Santos III (b. 1970)
Through the Peep Hole
Signed and dated 2005 (lower left) mixed media, 36” x 48” (91 cm x 122 cm)
Jose John Santos is one of the most sought-after contemporary artists today and it shows in the rarity of his works available at auctions. I love how the artist incorporates simple everyday images in his art and composes them into a collage of stories that fascinates and intrigues the mind.
Lot 41
Lee Aguinaldo (1933 - 2007)
Linear No. 98 and Linear No. 99
Signed and dated 1969 (verso) acrylic (aqua-tec) on marine plywood 38” x 38” (97 cm x 97 cm) each
Lee Aguinaldo was considered an avant-garde artist of his time, painting with dramatic colors composed into modern abstraction. I admire how this particular painting shows an almost 3D image of colors and depth. It’s like a window of one’s soul that makes us want to peer through and see beyond the frame.
Lot 84
Mark Justiniani (b.1966)
Mano Po
Signed and dated 2006 (upper left) oil on canvas, 45” x 39” (114 cm x 99 cm)
Artist Mark Justiniani has the ability to bring us to an almost dreamlike state with his beautiful canvases. A remarkable story teller, as his images connote social realities through symbols that show our present social and political issues. I am particularly impressed by this work as it reminds us why we should be proud of our sovereignty and why we should never be subservient to other nations or powers, whether near or far.
Lot 92
Romulo Olazo (1921 - 2015)
Diaphanous B-XXXVII, 1980
Signed and dated 1980 (lower right) oil on canvas, 60” x 48” (152 cm x 122 cm)
The artist has a phenomenal talent for creating images whose colors seem to leap out of the canvas with an almost glow-in-the-dark translucence. A true master of the modernist abstract.
Lot 145:
Jose Joya (1931 - 1995)
Peace Routes
Signed and dated 1991 (lower right) oil on canvas, 36” x 72” (92 cm x 183 cm)
I have always been in awe of the work of National Artist Jose Joya. As one of the founders of Abstract Expressionism in the Philippines, he was one of those who led the movement to popular consciousness. I would never forget the first time i saw his mural called “Ang Pagdiriwang” at the PICC. It left me speechless as a young boy, and this Lot 145 reminds me of that mural but in my favorite color of blue.
Signed and dated 1991 (lower right) oil on canvas, 36” x 72” (92 cm x 183 cm). Starting bid rate below. Signed and dated 2005 (lower left) mixed media, 36” x 48” (91 cm x 122 cm). Starting bid rate below. Signed and dated 1969 (verso) acrylic (aqua-tec) on marine plywood 38” x 38” (97 cm x 97 cm) each. Starting bid rate below. Signed and dated 2006 (upper left) oil on canvas, 45” x 39” (114 cm x 99 cm). Starting bid rate below. Signed and dated 1980 (lower right) oil on canvas, 60” x 48” (152 cm x 122 cm). Starting bid rate below.
145 Peace Routes by Jose Joya (1931 - 1995)
24 Through the Peep Hole by José John Santos III (b. 1970)
41 Linear 98 and Linear 99 by Lee Aguinaldo (1933 - 2007)
84 Mano Po by Mark Justiniani (b.1966)
92 Diaphanous B-XXXVII, 1980 by Romulo Olazo (1921 - 2015)
The León Gallery Magnificent September Auction 2020 is happening this September 19 at 2PM. It is the second major alliance between León Gallery, the country’s most trusted auction house and ANCX.ph, the urban man’s guide to style and culture, the online lifestyle site of ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel.
View the online catalogue as well as register to bid now at www.leon-gallery.com. For inquiries, call (02) 8772-8343 or send an email at info@leon-gallery.co