Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

A visual chronicler of socio-political matters and an influential force In the Visayan art scene, Charlie Co is one of Bacolod’s most prolific artists whose works are characterized by dynamic strokes, distinct color composition, and a surreal narrative quality. His works, oftentimes allegorical and always of substance, reveal his playful artistic explorations as well as inner dialogues and principles in life. Always rendering representations of subjects with a discerning eye, many have noted Co’s ability to shift away from realism while still taking up realities in his craft. He has become a household name in the local art scene, and his works have been exhibited in Japan, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, and China. In 1990, he was one of the recipients of the CCP Thirteen Artists Award. Co would depict obscure subjects situated in surreal environments, passionate in utilizing surrealist techniques in creating pieces that serve as social commentaries on pressing concerns in society. His Carroza series, for example, feature passive obedience, blind faith, arrogance, and royalty of power with folk surrealist qualities. The Fury has recurring images of a carroza, where the war horse is atop on, and Chinese businessmen with top hats in the background. Co said: “The work gives an ominous feeling that there is a looming war ahead. A blackbird’s head with an orange beak follows the carroza by its side. A cloud in the form of a man blows his trumpet to warn us that a conflict is about to happen.”