The attempt to distinguish between natural and supernatural is shown in the psychological and spiritual strength of the countenance of the face, achieved without the necessity of a heavy handed depiction of his passion.
With the feeling for monumentality, combined with an atmosphere created by the cradle to cross depiction of his earthly life, Samson depicts the theme of salvation of a foolish evil world through Christ’s sacrifice.
The positioning of Christ renders him to be not weighted down by his trials as depicted in the backdrop and the angels really appear to be straining to support him. The details of his life are in no way glorified and the whole scene is imbued with a divine light.
In discussing the qualities of great artists, National Artist Cesar Legaspi once explained the importance of contrast and tonal values in an artist’s practice. Learning when to aggressively graduate hues or when to hold back was, to him, the hallmark of a truly talented artist. Within the context of Legaspi’s words, Samson has achieved the nod of critics.
He is one of the most active members of the Saturday Group of the ’70s and ’80s. His mastery of composition, tone and contrast reflects his training at the Fine Arts program of the University of Santo Tomas, and the influence of National Artist Vicente Manansala, who mentored him. But unlike Manansala’s rendition of faces, Samson depicts Christ’s face with softer, more realistic contours.
One of Philippine Modernism’s recognized figures, Samson’s latest exhibit is both a throwback to the ideals and values of an important part of Philippine art history, as well as a statement on how artistic practices continue to develop and evolve.
Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Manila