Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by Floy Aguenza

ABOUT THE WORK

H.R. Ocampo’s emotionally charged abstraction pieces are profound results of his everyday observations in what surrounded him, from Philippine flora and fauna as well as animals to rain and sunshine. Though despite his habit of drawing inspiration from his surroundings, Ocampo’s works are anything but derivative. His assemblage of interlocking shapes and unique color palette has birthed a unique visual language that is characteristically and distinctly his. His art is far from merely decorative masterpieces and are considered personal and substantial reactions to the stimuli and environment that the artist busied himself with. In this piece titled Homage to the Heroes of 1896, one can easily see the affinity and respect Ocampo had for the storied heroes of the Philippines. Rendered in a variety of red and orange tones, Ocampo’s piece can be seen as an interpretation of the energetic will that animated our forefathers towards the fight for freedom and independence. It’s various orange tones can be seen as a representation of the fiery zeal of the revolution. While it's red components can be seen as both the blood spilled by the countless sacrifices made by the Filipino revolutionaries and as the fervent spirit that continues to unify us today. Ocampo's work is a synthesis of the ideals of our history's heroes and the realities of their insurmountable sacrifices.