Accompanied by a certificate issued by West Gallery confirming the authenticity of this lot

ABOUT THE WORK

Mauro “Malang” Santos, primarily known as a painter of genre scenes, would test his artistic vision once in a while and paint abstract compositions with unique and exciting qualities. His creative inclinations would often branch out into other subjects, and the lot at hand is among the particular pieces that showcase Malang’s special interest in still life. In this 1979 surreal rendition of a plant, Malang’s predilection for a bold and bright palette is evident with the vivid warm hues. He was one of the widely-known Filipino artists with an affinity for colors. His approach avoids no color, nor is there a shade that he could not choreograph in his canvas — resulting in a visual feast that satiates the viewer’s appetite for excitement and delight. Filipino art critics agree that Malang’s allure as an artist springs from his imaginative use of color. Art critic Cid Reyes identifies Malang’s works as “the most color-irradiated ever done in the history of Philippine art.” Indeed, his artistry was embodied by his cunning relationship with colors. As if a horticulturist who crafts his own flora, Malang painted no specific botanical species. He often rendered a subject in a manner that is impressionistic, capturing its spirit more than its appearance. His still-life paintings, in a sense, depict a transcendental subject that aims to grasp a pure and ideal form of nature. He not only applies unique details to the subject, but also unearths the hidden realities found within the subject. With that said, this work is not sedate beauty but extravagant bursts of creation evoked by the adept hand of a master at the peak of his artistic prowess. (P.I.R.)