PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF A DISTINGUISHED COUPLE

ABOUT THE WORK

Cesar Legaspi was color blind, interchanging red for green oftentimes. Fortunately, in this pastel-on-paper piece, there is no need to resort to the imagination because the landscape is indeed in the lush colors of a verdant forest. Although he had a reduced ability to discern color or differences in color, this did not deter him from pursuing his passion for art. Legaspi is an inspiration to everyone, as seen in how he overcame his challenge and made an important contribution to Philippine art. From a Tatler article, Legaspi’s “distinctive style and daring themes contributed significantly to the advent and eventual acceptance of modern art in the Philippines.” He holds the record of five retrospective exhibitions at different venues, one of which was held at the Museum of Philippine Art in 1978, two years after the creation of this 1976 piece. Legaspi was awarded the coveted title of National Artist for Visual Arts in 1990, a few years before he passed away at the age of 76. (P.I.R.)