Lot description
Danilo Dalena (b. 1942) Jai-Alai Series signed and dated 1980 (verso) oil on canvas An exemplary Filipino realist-impressionist artist, Danilo Dalena studied fine arts under National Artist Victorio Edades and Galo Ocampo. He made a mark in the early seventies with his unflinching editorial cartoons and illustrations for the Philippines Free Press and Asia-Philippines Leader, working with some of the greats like José “Pete” Lacaba, Greg Brillantes, and National Artist Nick Joaquin. During the Martial Law years, Dalena produced his Jai-Alai series, inspired by the Spanish Basque sport adapted in the country. In 1974, he won First Prize for his painting Tres-Seis Dejado that features lost bettors in the old Jai Alai fronton, Taft Avenue, in the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) contest. He bested Ang Kiukok, Jose Joya, and Onib Olmedo in 1980 as he won the Grand Prize in the Mobil Art Awards for his Jai-Alai as Metaphor piece. His art composed of ordinary people reveals wit, humor, and irreverence. A narrative quality is also apparent in his works, often linked with his close association with Joaquin. This particular 1980 piece is part of his Jai-ALai series, featuring lush and fleshy bodies in earth tones. Dalena depicts his figures as he sees them, capturing the Filipino psyche. Estimate in USD $48000-$62400
