Provenance: Marcel Crespo Collection; Private Collection, Manila

Exhibited: Ateneo Art Gallery, “Cross Encounters”, Quezon City, 30 May to 21 July 2006.

Literature: D’Bayan, Igan. “V for Ventura”. The Philippine Star, 30 May 2006; Realities: Ronald Ventura, Damiani, Bologna, Italy, 2011, p. 11 (illustrated).

ABOUT THE WORK

Created at a time when his career was taking off and his fame growing along with it, this work represents Ventura's view of the world around him back then. Around the world, things were changing, and the artist's world was changing as well. Along with this new trajectory came the anxieties of what that success would also mean for him. This shield is then a sort of metaphor, his defense and protection against the rapidly changing world around him. Much like the Shield of Medusa created centuries ago by Caravaggio (one of Ventura's most admired artists), it portrays a fierce creature on the surface, acting as a warning. In this case, it depicts with incredible detail, on an actual riot shield, a beloved guard dog in the artist’s old studio. This is definitely a very strong work that highlights the artist’s extraordinary draftsmanship and painting skills, and holds a special place amongst Ventura's oeuvre. -Miguel Rosales