Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Makati City

ABOUT THE WORK

Solomon Saprid, master sculptor, ventured into the world of art upon the prodding of Vicente Manansala. He represented the country in the 1971 Indian Triennale and the 1973 Australian Biennial. An expressive freedom of sculptural manipulation for which Saprid is known, are evident in works like this one depicting a “sipa” player. A vital part of Saprid’s sculptural work is the interplay of figure and space, which does not only surround but also weaves in and out of the figure through the spatial intervals, and random surfaces. The thinness of the bronze fragments allows for dynamic interaction, thus creating a continuous spatial flow between and among the various elements of the figure. Where expressionists previously succeeded on canvas, Saprid succeeded in the domain of form and dynamics. His goal for the work was to depict a “synthetic continuity” of motion. Saprid strives to portray a quietly forceful dynamism in his art. 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. That the figure is without a discernibly real face adds to the focus of motion.