Provenance: Private Collection, USA

ABOUT THE WORK

Romeo Tabuena moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in 1955, and there he would paint for decades to come. Although he had the opportunity to study abroad and showcase his talent, as well as garner acclaim and accolades, the artist lived a humble and simple life in the foreign land. His wife, Nina, a Swiss woman who also studied art, learned about Tabuena, her future husband, through a magazine. His works in Mexico exhibit colors from the entire spectrum and often feature cultural themes. In this 1968 acrylic painting, Tabuena was able to imbue a certain lyrical and literary beauty into the simple folk life. Although the watercolor landscapes are his most sought-after works, the lot at hand evokes the same artistry that the Filipino artist is celebrated for. Three years prior to the creation of this untitled piece, in 1965, Tabuena attended the eighth Biennial in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as the official representative of the Philippines. (Isabella Romarate)