A remarkable collection of Philippine art is poised to ignite a passionate bidding war, all for a profoundly important cause: nurturing the next generation of Filipino artists and scholars. On February 14th, Leon Gallery will host an auction brimming with masterpieces, with every stroke and hue dedicated to supporting the Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation, Inc. (ACC Philippines) Fellowship Program.
For eleven years, ACC Philippines has been a vital lifeline, empowering Filipino creatives to embark on transformative cultural exchange projects in the United States. This year, eight exceptional fellows will benefit directly from the auction’s success, continuing a legacy that has already touched the lives of nearly 300 artists, scholars, and professionals.
Among the auction’s crown jewels are breathtaking landscapes by Fernando Amorsolo, offering a poignant glimpse into the Philippines of the past. “Site of U.P. Diliman” captures the nascent beginnings of the university, while “Marikina” reveals a serene vista of plains and mountains, frozen in time by Amorsolo’s masterful brush.
Beyond Amorsolo, the auction boasts a compelling work by Danilo Dalena, “America,” a powerful statement born from his experiences in the United States. A rare treasure for collectors is a 1951 sketchbook by Fernando Zóbel, a deeply personal diary filled with the seeds of his iconic future works – including sketches that would evolve into celebrated pieces like “Pink House” and “Woman with Hat.”
The impact of the ACC Philippines Fellowship Program extends far beyond individual artists. Its alumni roster includes luminaries who have shaped the nation’s cultural landscape, among them National Artists Jose Joya, Lucrecia Kasilag, and Kidlat Tahimik. The program doesn’t just support talent; it cultivates national treasures.
This year’s fellows represent a diverse range of disciplines. Aina Ramolete is delving into the art of puppetry in Connecticut, while Alain de Asis refines his violin performance in Indiana. In New York, Joyce Sahagun Garcia and Maria Estela Paiso are exploring the dynamic world of film and photography, and Karl Jingco is immersing himself in the vibrant theater scene.
The auction’s offerings aren’t limited to paintings and sketches. Spectacular large-scale collaborative works, like “Interaction” by Mauro Malang Santos, Soler Santos, and Steve Santos, and “Paglaom Padayon” by the Sanggawa collective, will also be presented. A striking piece, “Ecce Homo or Portrait of Christ” by Patricio Gaston O’Farrell, a protégé of Juan Luna, offers a rare glimpse into the artistic lineage of a master.
For history enthusiasts, a second-edition Murillo-Velarde map, meticulously defining Philippine territory, will be a focal point, accompanied by Fray de la Concepcion’s comprehensive “Historia General de Philipinas.” A signed first edition of Jose Rizal’s “El Filibusterismo,” alongside a curated collection of newspapers charting the evolution of the Philippine press, adds further historical weight to the event.
Even personal glimpses into the nation’s past are included, such as letters from President Manuel L. Quezon to Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña and Vice-President Sergio Osmeña, offering intimate insights into a pivotal era. The auction is a confluence of art, history, and a profound commitment to the future of Filipino creativity.
The auction will commence at 2 p.m. on February 14th at Leon Gallery in Legazpi Village, Makati City, promising an afternoon of compelling art and a powerful demonstration of support for the Philippines’ artistic community.
