Works of Juan Luna, Ang Kiukok among other National Artists featured in Salcedo Auctions' 'The Finer Pursuits'

Salcedo Auctions is back for its second quarter sale, highlighting the finest works of over 200 Filipino artists, including notable National Artists for Visual Arts. 

Dubbed The Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art & Rare Collectibles, Salcedo Auctions’ sale features paintings, sculptures, religious and ceremonial items, rare books, and wooden furniture, among other artworks that have been intricately made and preserved. 

For this year’s event, Ang Kiukok takes on the spotlight, featuring his works that showcase cubism—a "highly influential visual arts style of the 20th century that was created principally by the artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in Paris between 1907 and 1914."

Ang Kiukok’s 1975 artwork Man and Dog reflects the human dichotomy of “rationality and instinct.” This artwork was also featured in Ayala Museum’s Images of Nation exhibit.

Aside from Ang Kiukok, Arturo Luz's brilliance is also featured at the sale. Specializing in modern art, he is known for his abstract and architectural patterns, which were incorporated into his Carnival Forms series. He was named National Artist in 1997. His Carnival Walls artwork, which was completed in the 1950s, was priced at around P1 million in 2013. 

Known for his works tackling issues of social injustice, Cesar Legaspi’s pieces serve as a reminder and an invitation to realize human suffering. Awarded as National Artist in 1990, Legaspi is considered as one of the pioneers of modern art in the country. He was one of the “Thirteen Moderns”—a group of artists formed before World War II. It was led by another national artist named Victorio C. Edades. 

Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz showcases art through “gestural paintings, watercolor works, abstract sculpture, and textile art.”  One of his Still Life works was priced between P850,000 and P880,000 in 2014. 

Best known for his Spoliarium painting, Juan Luna is famous for his works that feature “theatrical poses” that mostly touch on social issues like human injustice, given that he was also a political activist during the 19th century. His works showcase styles of romanticism, idealism, and impressionism. 

Showcasing pointillism, Jerry Elizalde Navarro made use of vibrant hues for his work Harvest Moons During Equinox. According to the auction’s catalog, it depicts a phenomenon to farming communities, highlighting the moon as a source of light giving an “extended time” to harvest their crops while also serving as a mark for “spiritual significance.” It conveys the message of seeing “beauty and abundance” even in ordinary moments. 

Other than the national artists, works of prominent Filipino artists like Constancio Bernardo and Ramon Orlina are also up for bidding.