Accompanied by a certificate signed by the artist confirming the authenticity of this lot

Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Exhibited: The Link, Ayala Center, a dialogue. albor • castrillo (Art Fair Philippines 2015), Makati City, February 5 - 8, 2015

ABOUT THE WORK

In Stately Stature, Eduardo Castrillo evokes both personal and collective principles. Castrillo’s creation of a sturdy, free-standing structure adds soundness and credence to the message the artist wants to convey to his viewer: that of dignity, augustness, and of standing one’s ground, even in the face of adversities. In line with his nationalist sentiments as an artist, Castrillo also alludes to Filipino values in this work: our strong sense of social cohesion and our collective identity as stalwarts and lovers of freedom. Stately Stature is relatively of considerable size for a small-scale Castrillo sculpture, standing at 3 feet tall. The work is also among the featured highlights of a joint exhibition by Castrillo and Augusto Albor in 2015 aptly titled “a dialogue. albor • castrillo.” It is that rare occurrence in Philippine art when two artists from two different yet complementing spectrums— painting and sculpture—come together in one compelling showcase of virtuosity. Stately Stature would be among the eminent Castrillo’s last sculptures; he would pass away on May 18, 2016, at the age of 73. Castrillo was a recipient of various prestigious honors, including the inaugural edition of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Thirteen Artists Award in 1970, and the Republic Cultural Heritage Award (precursor to the National Artist Award) in 1970. He served as President of the Art Association of the Philippines from 1984 to 1990 and Vice President of the Society of Philippine Sculptors from 1990 to 1992. (A.M.)