Cover Jose Joya, ‘Yellow Abode’, signed and dated 1961, oil on canvas, 32 x 32 inches, property from the Don Eugenio “Geny” Lopez, Jr collection
Jose Joya, ‘Yellow Abode’, signed and dated 1961, oil on canvas, 32 x 32 inches, property from the Don Eugenio “Geny” Lopez, Jr collection
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Celebrating the visionary artistry of Filipino talent, León Gallery once again mounts an auction to support the projects of the Philippine office of the Asian Cultural Council
“There is much to be grateful for and many milestones to remember with our first major auction of the year—the much-awaited Asian Cultural Council Auction of 2024,” León Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon says.
Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Philippines chairman Ernest L Escaler remarks that León Gallery and the Asian Cultural Council have, for the past nine years, produced nothing short of a fruitful and “wonderful partnership.”
“Filled with gratitude for the year that was, we recommence with greater optimism to move forward building a legacy that espouses the transformative power of the arts,” Escaler says.
“As we aim to actualize ACC's mission year after year, we seek the support of like-minded individuals and form alliances along the way to support our advocacy.”
Above Anita Magsaysay-Ho, ‘Planting Rice’, signed and dated 1990, oil on canvas, 36 x 30 inches
Anita Magsaysay-Ho, ‘Planting Rice’, signed and dated 1990, oil on canvas, 36 x 30 inches
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“Foremost is our wonderful partnership with Jaime Ponce de Leon and Leon Gallery. Now, on our 9th year of collaboration, we extend our deep admiration, respect, and sincere thanks to Jaime and his team for their dedication and tireless effort that makes our fundraising auction an anticipated and successful event,” Escaler concludes.
For this year’s auction, León Gallery celebrates the birth anniversaries of three of the country’s prominent figures from the modern period.
Fernando Zóbel’s 100th and the 110th of two of his closest friends, Anita Magsaysay-Ho and Nena Saguil. Magsaysay-Ho is represented by a rare rendition of the iconic Planting Rice. Meanwhile, Saguil graces this sale with impeccable works representing her prolific career, from her stint at the Philippine Art Gallery to her artistry-defining experience as a painter of the École de Paris.
The works of Jose Joya and Roberto Chabet, two former ACC grantees who share the distinction of being the first Filipino recipients in their respective fields (Joya for the Visual Arts and Chabet for Museology, both in 1967), are also equally the centrepieces of this auction.
Above Ernest L Escaler
Above Jaime Ponce de Leon
Ernest L Escaler
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Of this magnificent full-circle moment, Ponce de Leon says: “The Asian Cultural Council Auction is always an occasion close to our hearts, not least of all because it brings to the forefront the abilities of our young Filipino artists. In the ACC's honour, works by Jose Joya, their first-ever grantee for the visual arts, are among the highlights, as are important pieces from another ACC grantee, Roberto Chabet.”
Juan Luna and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo are also represented in this sale. Luna has three works that span important periods in his life: Landscape in Bilbao, Ecce Homo, and a lyrical work from his award-winning Roman period, titled Idilio.
Above Former ACC grantee Madge Reyes with current grantees, Corinne de San Jose and Maria Christine Muyco, ACC director of the Philippines programme Teresa Rances, ACC Philippines programme associate Eyna Villar
Former ACC grantee Madge Reyes with current grantees, Corinne de San Jose and Maria Christine Muyco, ACC director of the Philippines programme Teresa Rances, ACC Philippines programme associate Eyna Villar
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The cherished troves of prominent Filipino collectors and stewards of the arts—Don Eugenio “Geny” Lopez, Romeo Jorge, and Assemblyman and Ambassador Pedro Conlu Hernaez are also featured.
A portion of the proceeds from this annual auction will help fund various ACC grants for Filipino and other Asian artists and arts-based practitioners.
For this year, ACC Philippine grantees are: Japhet Mari “JM” Cabling, who is attending modern and contemporary dance classes and workshops and is inquiring about other contemporary practices in the United States; Corinne de San Jose, who is researching contemporary sound art as site-specific installations, as well as public art around New York City; and Maria Christine Muyco, who will hold a series of workshops on a song cycle with Southeast Asian cultures and to workshop the songs with contemporary vocal ensembles in New York.
Here are some of the lots included in this year’s auction:
Fernando Zóbel, ‘El Rió V’, signed and dated 1978 with inscription of the title, oil on canvas, 78-28 (verso), 40 x 40 inches
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Ponce de Leon eagerly invites everyone to participate in this landmark sale for the greater benefit of our fellow talented Filipino and Asian artists who have always wanted to spread their creative wings and transcend beyond their artistic horizons by venturing to uncharted shores. “On behalf of Team Leon Gallery, allow me to invite you once again to enjoy, experience, and join this new adventure in Philippine art.”
Meanwhile, Escaler has only words of pure gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. “We also acknowledge the generous contribution of friends and patrons whose invaluable help and support through the years has been a source of encouragement and goodwill,” says Escaler. “Let this new year inspire us all with a renewed sense of purpose as we make each day better for everyone.”
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
