Provenance: Provenance: Leon Gallery, The Asian Cultural Council Auction, Makati City, 2015, Lot 95

ABOUT THE WORK

Starting in 1972, Romulo Olazo developed serigraphic and collage intaglio processes and techniques that he used in his Diaphanous series—his signature masterpieces with such delicate, ephemeral compositions. The term originated from the Greek words dia which means “through” and phainein or “to show.” In his works from this series, one is introduced to his experiments on switching pigment types to create translucent layers, achieving effects of light and texture. Olazo used a system for his Diaphanous series—designed by his wife for easy cataloging—of assigning a serial number composed of letter codes followed by Roman or Arabic numerals, as shown in this work. Here, a fine progression of light, texture, color, and form is at work; the overall visual effect is achieved by a combination of light and transparency techniques, evoking both a sense of awe and splendor on the viewer. Quintessentially Olazo It is also his depictions of irregular but highly geometric layered forms that make his oeuvre notably distinct from other senior abstractionists. Successive layers of transparent films of color on each form overlap and interact in rhythm in Olazo’s distinct approach to abstraction. This piece reveals resonance in tone and texture as well as elegant chromaticism—noted as therapeutic gossamer colors—and opacity. The great artist was both deft at painting and printmaking, best known for his major series Diaphanous and Permutation. In 1981, he was selected as one of the “Five Outstanding Living Artists” by esteemed art critics Leo Benesa, Rod. Paras-Perez, and Emmanuel Torres, joining the likes of National Artists Cesar Legaspi, Ang Kiukok, Arturo Luz, and Napoleon Abueva. In 1972, Olazo was one of the r ecipients of the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards.