Lot description
Elmer Borlongan (b. 1967) Alaga signed and dated 2009 (lower left) acrylic on canvas 23 3/4" x 36" (61 cm x 91 cm) P 1,600,000 León Gallery wishes to thank the artist for confirming the authenticity of this lot To appreciate and engage with the works of Elmer Borlongan is to connect with travails of ordinary Filipino life. Though a number of local artists have sought to busy themselves with a number of larger-than-life events such as historical scenes and visual scenes derived from the local mythological canon, Borlongan sought to approach his practice by depicting the genuineness of everyday life. From daily commutes to sunday church crowds, Borlongan’s brush has captured what makes life in the Philippines both universally human and wholly unique. What Borlongan has done to the local art scene is akin to what a number of 20th century art photographers have done to the realm of street photography. Borlongan’s works are often executed in an exaggerated manner. His lines, angles, and perspectives are often asymmetrical, a creative decision that both humor and the candidness of his scene. Thus, his works can be compared to the decisiveness of Henri Cartier-Bresson while maintaining a sense of humor and frankness that can be found in the works of Daido Moriyama and Bruce Gilden. Borlongan’s acrylic on canvas work titled Alaga captures a genuine moment of respite. His central figure’s vulnerable and carefree position seemingly denotes an atmosphere of rest and relaxation. While what is presumably his pet’s stance is one that can be interpreted as one of trust. It is these slice-of-life moments where Borlongan’s artistry undoubtedly shines the best; in which he manages to capture both the soul of his practice and the spirit of his subject-matter.
