The León Gallery Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2019

The highly-anticipated auction by León Gallery is filled with thought-provoking pieces that exude character and style, all up for bidding

One can’t help but wonder what goes on in an artist’s mind when creating a particular art piece. The answer often lies on the canvas itself, in the subjects they paint or the images they conjure. Such is true in the pieces that are up for bidding in León Gallery's Spectacular Mid-Year Auction this year.

Angelita's First Communion by Marina Cruz

Above Marina Cruz (b.1982) Angelita’s First Communion signed and dated 2011 (lower right) oil on canvas 48” x 36” (122 cm x 91 cm)

The painting is inspired by an old photo that Marina Cruz came across in an antique store in Bulacan. It makes one ponder on what "church appropriate" entailed back in the day.

Sabel by BenCab

Above Benedicto Cabrera (b.1942) Sabel signed and dated 2005 (lower right) acrylic on canvas 24” x 24” (61 cm x 61 cm)

Those familiar with BenCab's work know that "Sabel" is not a particular painting, but the artist's muse. She is inspired by a scavenger who was covered in scraps that BenCab encountered in his home in Bambang, and her image has been re-imagined numerous times.

Persephone by Marcel Antonio

Above Marcel Antonio (b.1965) Persephone signed (lower left) acrylic on board 20” x 18” (51 cm x 46 cm)

The woman in Marcel Antonio's painting wears nothing but a sheer nightgown and a careless gaze on her face. Whether or not her story is the same as the Greek goddess of spring is for the viewer to decide.

Tres Marias by Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz

Above Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (1932-2011) Tres Marias signed and dated 1986 (upper right) oil on canvas 21 1/2” x 27” (55 cm x 69 cm)

This iconic painting features three women in traditional Filipino gowns, lounging leisurely as though they have all the time in the world. These women surely knew how to live life in their time, and look good doing it.

Sex Sells by Keb Cerda

Above Keb Cerda (b.1991) Sex Sells signed and dated 2016 oil on canvas a.) 31” x 25 1/2” (78 cm x 65 cm) b.) 24” x 24” (61 cm x 61 cm)

As part of his solo exhibition, OOTD, this painting could easily be a reflection of how Keb Cerda feels that society views sexiness and how brands use it to their advantage.

Preview cocktails for the upcoming Leon Gallery Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2019 will be held on 19 June at 5PM and the actual auction will be on 22 June at 2PM, both at G/F Eurovilla 1, Legazpi corner Herrera St, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more information, visit leon-gallery.com.