Outstanding is the atmosphere in Romeo Tabuena’s scenic renditions. The rustic themes prevalent in Tabuena’s oeuvre possess a very Filipino characteristic — as in this case, the stilt-houses, Carabaos, and tropical vegetation are all redolent of Tabuena’s homeland. In this very work from 1962, Tabuena renders his subjects with a hint of gloom — as opposed to the usual whimsically brilliant or soothingly serene settings. The glum air evokes a touch of distraught, while the familial and sentimental elements are suggestive of context for the piece. In such, we may surmise a bit of longing felt by the artist, embodied by the melancholic undertone of the work.
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Romeo Tabuena (1921-2015)
Barrio Scene
signed and dated 1962 (lower right)
oil on masonite board
35 1/2” x 22” (90 cm x 56 cm)
SOLD: PHP 876,000
Provenance: Private Collection, USA