작품 상세

Ang Kiukok (1931 - 2005) Signed and dated '70' (1970, lower right) Watercolor on paper 76.2 x 55.9 cm (30 x 22 in) Provenance: Collection of Teresita Jose and F. Sionil Jose, National Artist for Literature, Manila Acquired directly from the artist, thence acquired by the current owner National Artist Ang Kiukok masterfully uses a palette of bright and striking colors in this untitled still life, contrasting its various formal elements against a dark background to emphasize the rigidity of line. The interplay of color tones induces movement, guiding the viewer's eye rhythmically from one shape to the next, creating a dynamic visual experience. Ang's artistic journey began under the tutelage of National Artist Vicente Manansala at the University of Santo Tomas. Despite his proficiency in drawing, Ang was a novice when it came to the complexities of watercolor and oil paint. The crowded streets of Binondo were as new to him as the medium he was exploring. Yet, even in those early years, Manansala recognized the raw talent evident in his student's classroom compositions. Manansala's influence is clear, particularly in Ang's rejection of the objective world and his embrace of multiple viewpoints. By adopting the visual language of cubism and applying it to the classical subject matter of the tablescape, Ang reduces detail to its geometric essence while maintaining signifiers that anchor the work in reality. In scenes like this watercolor still life, he emphasizes the surfaces of objects, presenting them in a two-dimensional perspective. The volume of objects is suggested through the overlapping of colors and the interplay of lines, which brings a unique energy to the composition. Ang's modernist visualization elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, drawing a forceful energy that captivates the viewer. His dedication to the essence of modern painting--where line, form, color, and texture take precedence over figurative exactitude--melds foreground and background, creating a unified pictorial surface. The provenance of this piece adds to its significance, having come from the esteemed collection of National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose, and his wife, Teresita. In 1968, they founded Solidaridad Galleries in Ermita, Manila, providing a platform for young Filipino artists to showcase their works. Support the Next Generation of Writers The proceeds from the sale of this piece directly support the F. Sionil Jose Young Writers Award, a prestigious initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of Filipino writers. This 2024, as we celebrate the 100th birthday of F. Sionil Jose, the namesake and founder of this award, we honor his enduring legacy by championing the values he cherished--excellence, integrity, social justice, and a deep love for the Philippines. The award also serves as a tribute to his wife, Teresita Jovellanos Jose, whose unwavering support and inspiration fueled his work. By acquiring the piece, you are making a meaningful contribution to the literary arts, helping to cultivate and inspire the emerging voices that will shape the future of Philippine storytelling. This award is generously supported by the Jose children, Solidaridad Bookshop, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and is managed by PEN Philippines in partnership with De La Salle University.