Using a technique that distances away from realism, Tabuena’s ‘bahay kubo’ silhouettes are ethereally simple, set against a misty blue backdrop.
This barrio scene is an outstanding example of paint used purely to describe atmospherics. This picture reflects these qualities in visual terms. The farmers are barely defined at all. The eye is engaged and led into the picture by the stronger backdrop mist. His ethereal landscapes with dreamlike carabaos which seem to float in vapor.
Tabuena is best known for his works, at times in a vertical format influenced by Chinese painting. The near monochromatic watercolor landscapes of nipa huts, farmers, and carabaos are done in an exquisite style, with attenuated figures spread out in large tonal areas suggesting early morning fog.
He trained his mind’s eye to snip from the reel of his visual memory the truly instant impression that satisfied him.
The delicate charm of such ‘calligraphic” whimsy would probably not have entirely too radical within the exploratory spirit of the PAG era whose innovations have began to cut through the fabric of Manila’s art scene in the mid-century.
Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, USA