Provenance: Private collection, Czech Republic Art-Torg, American, European and Ukrainian Fine Art, Prague, 8 December 2023, Lot 205.

ABOUT THE WORK

LEO VALLEDOR High Priest of New York Cool Leo Valledor, one of the few Filipino-American artists to gain significant recognition in the western scene during the 1960s, was a key figure in the Park Place group in New York City. His heritage was a blend of Ilocano roots—his ancestors were among the first migrant workers in California—and a strong command of English and American culture, shaped by his parents’ education under American colonial teachers. Growing up, Valledor was influenced by diverse cultural environments, including the vibrant African American zoot suit culture and the Mexican rasquache, or low-rider, lifestyle. Valledor's artistic journey took a pivotal turn when he earned a scholarship to the California School of Fine Arts. This experience broadened his horizons and eventually led him to New York City, where he developed a deep passion for abstract art. His time in New York was transformative, and he became closely associated with the Park Place Gallery, a groundbreaking collective that challenged the traditional art scene of the 1960s. Linda Dalrymple Henderson, in her book Reimagining Space: The Park Place Gallery Group in 1960s New York, highlights the gallery's innovative approach. Park Place brought together painting and sculpture in exhibitions that contrasted sharply with the more conservative galleries on Madison Avenue. Its spacious environment encouraged the creation of largescale works and fostered interactions between different art forms, including music and spoken word. The gallery became a hub for young, avant-garde artists and played a crucial role in establishing Soho as a center for the burgeoning art scene. After making a significant impact in New York, Valledor eventually returned to California, where he continued to produce avant-garde art, remaining a vital figure in the artistic community until his death. (Jed Daya)