Provenance: Private Collection, USA

ABOUT THE WORK

Romeo Tabuena with his ethereal carabaos and distinct barrio scenes created groundbreaking works that contributed to the evolution of Philippine art. Self-confessed to be highly influenced by Cubism and Chinese vertical paintings, the majority of his works were acrylics, oils, and watercolors that featured a combination of Filipino and Mexican cultural themes, such as traditional housing, working people, and native plants. He is often classified as belonging to the postwar neorealist movement, with his then fresh approach to form sometimes compared to Chinese calligraphic brushstrokes. As an artist, Tabuena always drew upon his Filipino roots. This is evident in his pervasive inclusion of local traditions and landscapes. In this majestic piece, Tabuena seemingly weaves in poetic and literary beauty into everyday rural life, thus elevating the mundane into a transcendental sublime. But what makes this particular piece noteworthy is Tabuena’s color choice. As an artist, he would often employ soft pastels and pleasing hues. But these characteristics are seemingly absent from this particular oil on wood work. In their place are rich, earthy, and slightly sombre colors that evoke a much more serious mood. Despite this, this work still features Tabuena’s signature techniques such as calligraphic brush strokes and a distinct figurative style. Tabuena’s works arguably enter the mystical realm that dominates the pastoral consciousness of Filipino rural life