Accompanied by a certificate issued by Mr. Alexander Richard Joya
Baldovino confirming the authenticity of this lot

Provenance: Kulay-Diwa Art Galleries, Paranaque City

ABOUT THE WORK

Though abstract, Joya would often utilize the naturally occuring sights, colors, and forms as the basis for his art. This particular piece titled Naga captures that very philosophy. Often referred to as the Heart of Bicol, Naga has been an important trade and commerce center within the region since the Spanish colonial period. The name Naga comes from the precolonial name for the popular Narra tree, which was populous within the region. Its location made it a prime location within the Bicol region and eventually became the center for culture, education, and religion within Bicol as well. Its forms are inspired by the landscape of the city of Naga through the eyes of Joya himself. The predominant use of brown, ochres, and other warm tones, can be seen as a depiction of the populous narra tree within the region. Juan Jose Delgado in his 1751 text Biblioteca Histórica Filipina noted that "The city called Nueva Cáceres by the Spaniards bears among the natives the name Naga, on account of the abundance of this tree throughout those provinces of Camarines and Albay, where they carve very curious cups out of it for drinking water. Those made of female naga (pale white wood) are much the better, for this wood tinges the water very quickly to a celestial color, more quickly than the male (reddish wood). These cups are much esteemed in Europe and are regarded as a gift well worthy of any prince” The piece also showcases the technique that can be seen as Joya's claim to fame. The almost austere geometric organic abstractions have more of a compositional look utterly different from other notable abstract expressionist painters such as Pollock and De Kooning. Here, Joya renders the pristine and lush beauty of the verdant countryside into a figurative and contemplative piece. By doing so, he effectively transports the viewer into the allure of the scene by mere shape and color. (J.D.)