Accompanied by a certificate signed by the artist
confirming the authenticity of this lot

ABOUT THE WORK

Contemporary artist Ronson Culibrina is known for his appropriation paintings that have been celebrated both in the Philippines and around the world. His personal connection between his works and how he wants to connect to other people and societies’ problems is reflected through many of his works and his personal style. Culibrina once talked about his work where he said; “I would like to emphasize in my art the continuity between the past and the present, and the links between fine art and pop culture.” Many of his oil paintings are of psychedelic colors with more subdued tones or bold colors that emphasize certain subjects in the painting, where Culibrina brings awareness to socio-political problems in society. In the case of this particular work, Culibrina’s phychedilic blend may not be as present here compared to his other works, however the techniques used are more subtle and he does still manage to depict a scene that draws attention toward the scene of the young woman and the rose laying on the ground. There is a certain dynamic and balance between the beauty of the rose and the woman laying down. The woman in an exposed bright red dress shows this vulnerability that invites and engages in a more personal connection toward the scene being depicted. The rose in her hand is centered and is the other focus point that shares similar colors to the woman’s bright red dress and red hair. All of these elements of the two figures are placed surrounded against a background of scattered darkened shadings that creates this silhouette and further highlights the focus of the woman and the rose. In the scene itself, the woman may be dead or she could just be lying down in relaxation, however no matter the interpretation, the work itself still communicates this feeling of melancholy contrasted with the brightness and beauty within the detail of the rose and the woman. The two figures contrast but complement one another in theme and detail, as both show this emotional dynamic of both figures presenting this feeling of loneliness and despair but at the same time are depicted to be fair and in different shades of bright red that still resemble life and beauty. Culibrina still manages to capture and continues to engage with viewers through appropriation painting with his usual psychedelic style in more subtle and grounded but emphasized use of colors that create this more dynamic relationship between the techniques used in the artwork itself and what the meaning is.