Provenance: Private Collection, Bacolod City

ABOUT THE WORK

Solomon Saprid is in his element with Philippine mythological monsters in creating the mysterious half human half horse Tikbalang of provincial lore. The so-called Tikbalang in Philippine folklore is said to be a humanoid elemental with a horse for a head and a body that is human. It is believed that Tikbalangs inhabit large trees and are guardians of a netherworld kingdom, with the propensity to play tricks or even pursue unsuspecting humans. Moreover, it is believed that good Tikbalangs are bearers of good fortune: you may either be rewarded with a pot of gold or a lucky talisman. But such creatures, whether they truly exist or not, are very much a part of Philippine culture. Saprid, armed with his artistic vision and his singular sculpting abilities, thus puts to brass (through the fashioning of metal strips) his own interpretation of that mythical being, which has since become his most renowned and recognized of subjects. An expressive freedom of sculptural manipulation for which Saprid is known, are evident in compositions like this one. A focused appreciation in dynamic movements of forms allowed for this powerful depiction of a Tikbalang with a bow and arrow. Saprid synthesized and suggested physiognomic aspects of a centaur in motion. Much of the dynamic expressionistic image comes from the metal itself. Unevenness is put to advantage as the welded metal sections capture the light in a restless way, suggesting movement. Saprid’s figures, folkloric or otherwise, are the opposite of the classical form: they convey unlimited freedom in their quest for human expression.