Mark your calendars: A ‘Very Important’ art sale is happening on March 14!

From H.R Ocampo to Arturo Luz, to Justin Nuyda and Roberto Chabet – among many other art legends– Salcedo Auctions brings the big names and the most fascinating artworks as part of the premier auction house’s 10th anniversary celebrations this March. The best part? These works can very well be yours, too… if you mark your calendars, that is!

Salcedo Auctions’ ‘Important Philippine Art Sale’ is happening on Saturday, March 14, 2020, 2pm at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. While you’re at it, you might as well drop by for the public preview, which runs from 10am to 6pm daily March 6 to 13, to get a glance of the masterfully curated artworks that will go on sale.

Opening the sale is a trio of oil on canvas works by National Artist H.R. Ocampo, all of which are from his seminal abstractionist period in the ‘60s and provide unique insight into the development of his style. These are complemented by artworks from the collection of renowned jewelry artist Celia Molano, who not many people may know, counted Ocampo, Ang Kiukok and Arturo Luz among her closest friends. Striking oil on canvas works gifted to her by Ang, and rare preparatory drawings, paintings, and sculptures by Luz are also being offered.

H.R. Ocampo, ‘Gemini’, 1967, oil on canvas
H.R. Ocampo, ‘Gemini’, 1967, oil on canvas
H.R. OCAMPO (1911 - 1978), Bosquejo II, 1969, Oil on canvas
H.R. OCAMPO (1911 – 1978), Bosquejo II, 1969, Oil on canvas

Widely acclaimed abstractionist Justin Nuyda, on the other hand, adds a second collection to the sale with a donation of four artworks especially made for this auction. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2019, Nuyda decided to pay tribute to his doctors for taking outstanding care of his health, naming each painting after them to express his gratitude. To repay their kindness and benefit others by ‘paying it forward’ proceeds of these works will go towards assisting the Kythe Foundation in their admirable efforts to improve the quality of life of hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses.

The third collection featured in the sale includes rare early works by Father of Philippine Conceptual Art, Roberto Chabet, which he left with long-time friend and fellow artist, Luis Romero. In 1969, Chabet lived with Romero and now national artist, Jose Joya as they all  pursued studies in New York City. When Chabet was appointed director of CCP, he left with them, many finished works and studies. Among these are pieces from the Ceche series that will be up for bidding, left untouched and in safekeeping in New York until their recent return to Manila.

BenCab (b.1942), Dance Forms II, 2010 Relief monoprint on paper, PHP 950,000 - 1,300,000
BenCab (b.1942), Dance Forms II, 2010 Relief monoprint on paper, PHP 950,000 – 1,300,000

Art aficionados can also look forward to a sterling line up of works by National Artists, Fernando Amorsolo, Cesar Legaspi, Vicente Manansala, Napoleon Abueva, Jose Joya, and BenCab. Also included are works by modern masters Lee Aguinaldo, Nena Saguil, and contemporary stalwarts Ronald Ventura, Lao Lianben, Rodel Tapaya, Elaine Navas, Ramon Orlina, Elmer Borlongan, and Emmanuel Garibay among many others.

For antique furniture, a 10-seater kamagong and balayong dining table by the famed ilustrado, Maximo Viola banners the upcoming event. It is joined by a selection showcasing the indigenous arts such as a large pukok or rice granary, a pair of dancing bul’ul, and a ceremonial shield ornamented with a carved face of a man.

MAXIMO VIOLA A very rare and exceptional 10-seater dining table in balayong and kamagong with chairs, 1st quarter, 20th century, Manila

A stunning selection of fine jewelry also adorns the sale, including a resplendent 18k white gold emerald fringe necklace composed of five Zambian Emeralds, a striking Asscher-cut diamond crucifix, and an exquisite pair of 18k white gold drop earrings lined with Asscher cut diamonds. Completing the entire selection are highly collectible designer watches such as a Patek Philippe Advanced Research Aquanaut Travel Time ref. no. 5650G-001 from an edition of 500, an elegant Maria Gaspari lady’s diamond bracelet, and a Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph ref. no. 5980R-001.

 

A sublime 10.43 ct emerald-cut diamond A stunning loose diamond of 10.43 cts weight. Certified as M color and VS1 clarity by the HRD gem lab in Antwerp, a respected authority for diamonds in Europe.
A sublime 10.43 ct emerald-cut diamond
A stunning loose diamond of 10.43 cts weight. Certified as M color and VS1 clarity by the HRD gem lab in Antwerp, a respected authority for diamonds in Europe.

 

“It’s definitely an exciting juncture in Salcedo Auctions history. Beyond being able to offer these coveted pieces, we’re both excited and honored to be able to share the stories of the collectors who have chosen to bring them to us. As true patrons of the arts, it’s really more than acquiring works. These pieces hold rich stories and symbolize deep, lifelong connections.” says Salcedo Chairman and Chief Specialist, Richie Lerma.

Salcedo Auctions ‘Important Philippine Art’ and ‘Fine Jewelry & Timepieces’ auctions are co-presented by List | Sotheby’s International Realty, 10th Anniversary Prestige Real Estate Purveyor.

An impressive emerald and diamond necklace set in 18k white gold
An impressive emerald and diamond necklace set in 18k white gold

Salcedo Auctions’ ‘Important Philippine Art’ online catalogue is available at salcedoauctions.com. For inquiries, email info@salcedoauctions.com or phone +632 8659.4094 | 8823.0956 | 0917 107.5581. Follow @salcedoauctions on Facebook and Instagram.