Accompanied by a certificate issued by Finale Art File confirming the authenticity of this lot

Provenance: Private Collection, Hong Kong

ABOUT THE WORK

Ang Kiukok, a renowned Filipino artist, is known for his profound contributions to Philippine contemporary art. Throughout his career, Kiukok's artworks demonstrated a unique blend of expressionism and cubism, incorporating bold colors, angular forms, and a distinctive visual language. Amidst his repertoire of subject-matters, it is arguably the Seated Figure that combines his distinct style with the artist's unique sense of Existential awareness. "Seated Figure", created by Kiukok in 1978, portrays an individual in a seated position, rendered with the artist's characteristic use of sharp, angular lines and vivid colors. The figure's elongated body, distorted features, and contorted limbs evoke a sense of tension and unease, drawing the viewer into a realm of emotional intensity. The composition's strong vertical and horizontal lines create a dynamic balance, capturing the viewer's attention and accentuating the power and presence of the seated figure. Through the cubist influence apparent in "Seated Figure," Kiukok explores the fragmentation and reconstruction of form. The figure's body is deconstructed into geometric shapes and planes, presenting multiple perspectives simultaneously. This technique allows the viewer to experience the subject from various angles, encouraging a deeper engagement with the painting. The emotional depth conveyed in "Seated Figure" is a recurring theme in Kiukok's body of work. His paintings often delve into the darker aspects of the human experience, tackling themes of alienation, struggle, and social injustice. In "Seated Figure," the distorted features and body language of the subject evoke a sense of anguish and introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human emotions and the burdens we carry within. Moreover, "Seated Figure" can be interpreted as a reflection of the social and political climate during the time of its creation. The 60s and 70s in the Philippines was marked by social unrest and political turmoil. Kiukok, like many artists of his generation, used his work as a medium for social commentary. The unsettling nature of the seated figure in the painting can be seen as a representation of the collective unease and struggles faced by the Filipino people during that period. (J.D.)