Lot description
Jose Joya (1931 - 1995) Ligawan 1948 oil on board 18” x 15” (46 cm x 38 cm) This piece is accompanied by a certificate issued by Alexander Richard Joya Baldovino confirming the authenticity of this lot Literature: Joya . Dick Baldovino Enterprises. Manila. 1996. Plate The splendor of Jose Joya’s gestural works shows how he considered drawing as the foundation for honing one’s artistic skills. For Joya, drawing “has always represented complete, exacting works of art.” Throughout his artistic career, one can see the relationship between the linear and the painterly in his works. Known to be the earliest existing work by Joya, this oil on board piece is particularly noteworthy given that it contains a variety of techniques and visual elements that the artist would only seldom use for his figurative works. The piece features an alluringly distinguished scene that evokes the charms and quirks of the Philippine’s colonial past. The piece features what appears to be a group of individuals enjoying their evening. A couple is seen sitting adjacent to one another, while the mirror next to them reveals the presence of another group, lounging about in the house’s sala or living room area. This unique perspective lends a sense of dynamism to the piece, effectively showcasing Joya’s command of space. Another noteworthy aspect of the work is its use of lighting. Unlike his relatively flatter abstract pieces, this work features a dynamic lighting scheme akin to the likes of Rembrandt and even Amorsolo. The scene is partially lit by an obscured light source that effectively balances the look and feel of the work with contrasting elements.
