Accompanied by a certificate issued by West Gallery confirming the authenticity of this lot

Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist

ABOUT THE WORK

Under the mentorship of cartoonist Liborio Gatbonton, Mauro Malang Santos honed his skills and ignited an enduring fascination with the realm of cartoon illustration. This pivotal experience planted the seeds of creativity within him and paved the way for his remarkable artistic evolution. These seeds would eventually bear fruit as Malang would leave the world of cartoons in an attempt to pave the way towards a unique practice. After a decade of prolific work in the realm of cartoons and illustrations, he embarked on a daring exploration of new artistic horizons. Guided by a desire for innovation and self-expression, he embraced elements of cubism and abstraction. Influenced by the likes of Picasso, Matisse, Manansala, and Ang Kiukok, Malang's later style became a tour de force that reshaped artistic conventions. This very style, exemplified by the particular piece in question, radiates a sense of generosity in its vivid imagery, expansive color palettes, and evocative representation of cultural identity. One could also argue that Malang’s experience in cartoons afforded him an eccentric sense of creativity to fuel his practice. This can be seen in his inventive way of approaching and expressing the various elements in his craft. This particular piece titled Blood Moon features a lunar eclipse emanating down on a town. Traditionally, most cultures view the appearance of a lunar eclipse as a bad omen. Who could blame them? Prior to our knowledge of how eclipses worked (or even the heliocentric model), the fact that the moon would turn into the shade akin to blood would undoubtedly be seen as ominous. Yet Malang’s work seemingly treats the phenomenon in a neutral and frank way. The eclipse is not seen as inherently ominous or beautiful but something natural: an approach that is decidedly more nuanced and complex. (Jed Daya)