Leo?n Gallery wishes to thank Mr. Marcel Antonio for confirming the authenticity of this lot.

ABOUT THE WORK

Angelito Antonio almost always employed the Manansala-esque multiple viewpoint, or simultaneous vision, to delineate his figurative subject matter. Festive delight is brought about by the polychromatic scheme dominated by spots of Antonio's signature colors. Antonio chooses characters and vignettes for visual effects that evoke an ordered rhythm. Agitated distortion is most pronounced in illogical positioning of the human elements beyond average realistic proportion. Usually, the human figures are merged with the objects and the setting. This, coupled with an incisive dynamic draftsmanship and vigorous brushwork, make for a potent combination. Although influenced by Manansala's transparent cubism, Antonio's works, as exemplified by this untitled work, manifest a distinct style based on the juxtaposition of shapes defined with linear clarity and pure lines that blur into washed-out tones. This untitled piece showcases his angular color delineation. There is an idiosyncratic high-spiritedness in the jarring hues that brings out the strength of this work. For Antonio, color represents the hope of his obscure subjects—a yearning for alleviation from their miserable situations. The tension between figuration and abstraction in his pieces leads viewers to look into his distinct aesthetic disposition. Always committed to dynamic expression, it is only fitting to consider Antonio as one of the notable pillars of Philippine modern art.