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The Philippine art landscape continuously expands under the watchful eye of Salcedo Auctions’ Richie Lerma, an unprecedented auction weekend taking shape on the horizon.
It is early in the day when Richie Lerma walks through the country’s first and only auction house. Within the next hour, a couple walks in and gives the art advisor a smile. They continue a quiet observation of the pieces displayed and leave or make a private inquiry. On auction weekends, however, there could be up to 400 people in the room.
Salcedo Auctions has made leaps and bounds for the Philippine art world since its establishment in 2010. Over the course of the past four years, it has realised the aspirations of many collectors and enthusiasts of rare and sought-after art. Records have been broken with its institutional Important Philippine Art auction, a bi-annual sale of the finest historical pieces and most significant upcoming works. It has launched many a new Filipino artist and validated the ownership of the coveted classics. Richie’s critical and academic views have been well-received and continue to let collectors securely invest in art.
“We take great pride that Salcedo Auctions’ reputation when it comes to the authenticity of works is sterling,” says Richie. “That’s not just because of the homework that we do, but also [because of] our years of experience in the field. When pieces are brought to us, we already have an opinion regarding whether or not it passes our standards. We're quite exacting.” Richie’s curatorial eye as director of the Ateneo Art Gallery is just one of the titles he carries to contribute to this expertise at Salcedo Auctions.
The Well-Appointed Life, to be held from September 20 to 21, is the first auction of its kind. Richie’s excitement for this milestone in Philippine art is barely contained. “Never before have there been so many auction categories over one weekend,” he says.
In time for this year’s second Important Philippine Art sale, Salcedo Auctions introduces three other auction categories. The early afternoon of the 20th will see the Important Philippine Art, in which Richie details the considerations are: the importance of the artist himself and the importance of the featured art piece within the artist’s body of work. From national artists to significant modern visual artists, Salcedo Auctions scans the horizon to include pieces worth having in the auction. Later that day, the Connossieur Collection will see furniture, decorative pieces, objets d’art, works of international artists, and even maps. This category is highly anticipated as the auction of valuable books, including some truly historical pieces, has been entrusted to the house. “These are items any serious collector or museum will be interested to have,” says Richie.
The next day features Fine Jewellery and Timepieces. These pieces have been considered for their investment grade, reputable makers, top quality stones, and the history attached with each piece. “Each one is a marvel of not just beauty, but of technology,” Richie says. An unprecedented display and bid of rare automobiles will follow, a surprising number and collection awaiting the most avid enthusiasts of the category.
Richie continues to invite consignments as the auction weekend approaches. The aniticipation lingers in the air and Richie predicts no disappointments, “[The auction] isn’t just about price value, but the joy of having and acquiring truly significant pieces.”
The Well-Appointed Life is presented by Salcedo Auctions with Philippine Tatler. For more information and inquiries on consignments, visit www.salcedoauctions.com.
Salcedo Auctions Unit 104-B G/F Three Salcedo Place 121 Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City +63917.591.2191
