Provenance: Provenance: A gift from the artist to Ms. Ai-Ai de las Alas

ABOUT THE WORK

Corazon “Cory” Aquino persevered with optimism and unwavering faith in God throughout her presidency thrusted upon her by tragedy and circumstance. Many noted her endearing “Mother of Sorrows” image which appealed to the masses and an enduring legacy. Even postpresidency, Aquino focused on charitable activities and gave statements regarding pressing political issues that compromise democracy. In 2005, Aquino called for former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s resignation at the height of the “Hello, Garci” scandal, becoming one of the main critics of the Arroyo administration. Benigno Aquino III, her son, was a democratically elected congressman during this time, and would later on follow her footsteps and become president. Most remember Cory as the 11th president of the Philippines, the first female president in Asia, and the leader who fought for democracy. Ninoy’s iconic widow, however, is relatively known as an artist. Her mentor, artist Jeffrey Consumo, said that Cory painted around 300 works since 1996, the year she started to take painting classes. For three years, she attended the weekly classes with perfect attendance, and continued painting even after classes were over. Cory’s works are often described as bright and colorful, original and deeply personal. She had a particular fondness for painting flora as well as placing handwritten dedications in her pieces. She also painted mostly with oil and acrylic on canvas and paper, even on bags, plates, and throw pillow covers. Beyond flowers, Cory painted images of rosaries, crosses, and women. She would give her paintings as personal gifts to friends and loved ones, former Cabinet members, and supporters during her administration, except for a few times when she auctioned off her work to raise funds for various supported advocacies and charities. This expressive piece dated on the same year has a pure quality—a visual representation of direct, raw emotion. It is distinct from her more joyous paintings, but nonetheless heartfelt in approach. Cory showcases her beautiful color combinations in her depiction of a woman, one of her often-taken-upon subjects, in which her sense of humanity that translates into art is readily evident.