Ang Kiukok’s fish are singled out on the plate. The artist draws out their spiky aspect, their bony frames, predatory teeth, sharp fins and tails. They do not offer a visually edible meal but have the satisfaction of glaring out at the diner before being torn to pieces with a knife and fork. Amid the near symmetry of the composition, Ang combines the expressionist aspect with the formalist aspect of his art. Thus, Ang Kiukok’s characteristic agitated angularities are visibly absent. Save for the sheet of fabric, paper or foil underneath the fish, there are no other objects on the perceived table. Perhaps the artist wanted to focus on the subject as the lone leitmotif, given the intentional geometric mannerisms injected in the composition, such as the perfect circle at the center.
Your Inquiry was successfully sent, please wait for the reply of Leon Gallery Management.
Ang Kiukok (1931-2005)
Fish
signed and dated 1988 (upper left)
oil on canvas
24” x 24” (61 cm x 61 cm)
SOLD: PHP 4,204,800
This piece is accompanied by a certificate issued by Finale Art File confirming the authenticity of this lot
Provenance: Magnet Gallery
Literature: Roces, Alfredo, “Kiukok: Deconstructing Despair”, Mandaluyong City, 2000, fig. 306, p. 161 (illustrated)