Despite having encountered all sorts of challenges along the way, we’ve now all reached the halfway point of the year—June 2021. Art, which is very much a reflection of life, tries to distill and celebrate these events and challenges, big or small, cataclysmic or benign, in whatever medium.
In Manila, it has become a tradition of sorts for art connoisseurs to wait with bated breath what León Gallery has in store for them during its much-awaited annual “The Spectacular Mid-Year Auction.” Well, they don’t have to wait any longer, as one of the most significant art events of the year unfolds on Saturday, June 5, 2 p.m. at León Gallery, G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati.
The June auction will train the spotlight on some of the most influential local and international contemporary artists who have so far made their mark in the arts. They are:
Yeo Kaa (b. 1989) is a Filipino artist inspired by 20th-century pop art, specifically the works of Japanese artist Yoshimoto Nara. Her works reflect not only reflect her personal experiences, but also, she says, “immeasurable human condition.” “I No Longer Belong Here”(2017) can be interpreted as an artistically comprehensive exploration into the personal and secluded process of creating art. Quoting from León Gallery’s catalog, organizers describe Kaa’s work as “a visualization of the creative process, one that is oftentimes a venture pursued alone.”
Jigger Cruz(b. 1984) is currently one of the most prominent and important Filipino contemporary artists. A graduate of Far Eastern University, he has showcased his extensive oeuvre in various solo and group exhibitions at the Ayala Museum, Tala Gallery, and Blanc Art Space. Cruz’s untiled piece(2012) is a perplexing piece of art that evokes an ambiance of peace in the middle of chaos and destruction. “Impediments Outside My Shelter” (2003) is among the artist’s earliest works, which he did when he was still exploring his artistry.
In the book titled Jigger Cruz, Canadian artist Benny Nemerofsky Ramsay writes: “As Cruz paints over existing surfaces charged with meaning, he leaves room for interpretation, for doubt, for the very equivocal quality of the paint that lies splattered on the studio floor.”
Elmer Borlongan(b. 1967) is a Filipino artist who embraced Social Realism and described his style as evocative of figurative expressionism. “Watering Hole”(2005) is a typical example of his style wherein he depicts his subjects with peculiar yet distinctive imagery. In his acceptance speech for his CCP Thirteen Artists Award, he was quoted as saying: “My art deals in powerful expression-filled terms, about the harsh realities of the Filipino’s day-to-day existence, their battles and combats with life, their conflicts, and the overall bitter drama of human existence.”
Christine Ay Tjoe (b. 1973) is one of Indonesia’s foremost artists and the first Southeast Asian signed by White Cube Gallery and Big Gallery. Tjoe’s works explore the complexities and realities of human existence through intense contemplation and subjectivity. “Singgah II” (2003) is an exploration of the complexities of philosophy and spirituality. She has had various solo exhibitions such as “The Path Less Found” in Taiwan, “Panorama Without Distance” in Hong Kong, and “Wall Prison Part II”in Miami.
Takashi Murakami (b. 1962) is a Japanese artist who draws influence from various elements found in contemporary pop culture such as ukiyo-e prints, sci-fi, high fashion, and anime. In 1996, he established the studio and artist management institution KaiKai Kiki Co. which develops groundbreaking artistic talents. A part of his Ensō paintings, “Hollow Multi” (TBC) (2015) is considered one of Murakami’s perfect examples of his trademark floral motif that was inspired by setsugetsuka, a traditional form of Japanese art that emphasizes nature.
The Ensō paintings are inspired by the harmony that is exuded by Zen aesthetics. As what Murakami had said: “We want to see the newest things. It is the moment in which, even if we don’t completely understand what we have glimpsed, we are nonetheless touched by it.”
The works of other contemporary artists such as Guerrero Z. Habulan’s “Sa Panaginip ni Juan”(2016), Elaine Navas’ “Mamon (After MM Yu)” (2019), and Dino Gabito’s “The XIV Station”(2014) will be showcased and lined up for auction.
“The Spectacular Mid-Year Auction”has an ongoing preview until June 4, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at León Gallery. For more inquiries, contact +632 8856 2781/+639985172010 or email info@leon-gallery.com. To bid online, register at www.leonexchange.com. To browse through “The Spectacular Mid-Year Auction” catalog, visit www.leon-gallery.com.
