For its July edition, gavel&block is serving seventies swagger with a catalogue headlined by paintings from an era marked by bold experimentations and significant contributions to contemporary Philippine art. Most poignant among them is H.R. Ocampo’s untitled oil on canvas abstract which was completed in 1978. It is one of his last works from what the artist termed his “visual melody” phase which started in 1968 - the final chapter in Ocampo’s four-part artistic evolution.
Similarly, Jose Joya’s “Blue Shrine” from 1976 is a significant entry in his body of work, emblematic of his practice during the 7os when he explored various mediums while also serving as dean of the University of the Philippines’ Fine Arts department. “Blue Shrine” emerged from this period when the artist harnessed the transparent character of rice paper, deftly layering them over his opaque brushworks.
Unlike the non-representational works of Ocampo and Joya, Romeo Tabuena’s untitled watercolor from 1970 clearly depicts a pastoral scene. It displays the iconography of traditional Philippine landscapes, but Tabuena’s lithe, graceful forms and hazy brushstrokes signify a shift towards modernity and his search for his own artistic identity.
P 30,000 - 40,000; From 1972, Rod Paras Perez’s Maya II, acrylic on canvas, 14 x 16.75 inches, estimated at P16,000 - 20,000
Other lots from gavel&block’s catalogue reveal the seventies preoccupation with angular forms as seen in Prudencio Lamarroza’s “Grid Series 78,” completed in 1978 as suggested by the title, during the artist’s geometric phase. It is evident as well in the color-blocked series of works by Rod Paras-Perez. Dated 1975, they show Paras-Perez’s lighter side, playfully juxtaposing animals (a duck, bee, birds and a damselfly) with everyday objects like a half-opened can of sardines, paper clips, etc..
Just like its previous editions, gavel&block offers a wide range of art, antiques, vintage fashion and other collectibles that appeal to a cross-section of its market of younger collectors.
The art section boasts pieces by Filipino greats like sculptures by Anastacio Caedo, Eduardo Castrillo and Guillermo Tolentino, as well as paintings by Macario Vitalis, Nena Saguil, Solomon Saprid, J. Elizalde Navarro, Norma Belleza and Manuel Baldemor. The younger generation is likewise well-represented with art by Mark Arcamo, Manuel Ocampo, Welbart Bartolome and Jayson Cortez, to name a few.
Lovers of vintage furniture can choose from pieces sourced from all over the country with styles ranging from Rococo, Art Nouveau to mid-century and contemporary. There’s an exciting line-up in the fashion section too, with bags (by Bottega Venetta, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, among others) and dazzling jewelry and watches up for online bidding this July 20, Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. To view the catalogue and register to bid, visit salcedoauctions.com
The gavel&block online auction will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, starting at 11 a.m with in-person preview ongoing up to July 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.For inquiries, email [email protected] or phone +63 917 107 5581 | +63 917 591 2191 | +63 917 825 7449. For the latest updates, follow @gavelandblock on Instagram and Facebook.
Words by Devi De Veyra