Lot description
PROPERTY OF A DISTINGUISHED LADY Family signed and dated 1975 (upper left) oil on canvas 41" x 36" (104 cm x 91 cm) PROVENANCE Artist's personal collection Acquired directly from the artist official chronicle, Antonio Pigafetta. The rooster becomes a symbol of a collective pride and deep sensibility rooted in the indigenous. The deep reds that are particularly highlighted in the young girl's clothing stand out in the composition, representing the vigor and potential of the youth, to whom Manansala once expressed lament for their lack of delicadeza and palabra de honor. "Walang asin [no salt] and kulang sa timpla [lacking in ingredients]," Manansala said in a December 1977 interview for People magazine. The People article mentioned that "Manansala insists children should be molded by parents." "Let them lose [sic], and what will happen to them?" Manansala asked. "Can you imagine what will happen to a child that wasn’t given any direction?" "Where else but among the young can we expect hope for the future?" Manansala expressed in the same interview with dismay, but still with a touch of optimism. The overall composition of Family is both solemn and exuberant. Even though colors are applied in an offbeat manner, this may be intentional. As colors cascade through each other, Manansala achieves a striking tension that highlights the country's fundamental identity: a nation of distinct cultures and identities yet unified by the continuing struggle of reclaiming our hopes and dreams, our dignity and rightful place in society. Using one of the most popular subjects in Catholic iconography, Manansala elevates the Filipino masses into hallowed spheres, worthy of honor for being the very backbone of society. By identifying the color red with the young lady, Manansala pins his hopes on the youth (especially in this age of social media and A.I. powered convenience at the expense of real learning and critical thinking), that they may regain their sense of enlightenment and responsibility in advancing the ideals that watered the seeds of our nation—a reminder of continuing perseverance towards a bona fide progress that is inclusive of all, particularly the Filipino masses that Manansala had always exalted in his art.
