A look into the paintings by well known artists in the Philippines.
Salcedo Auctions is the Philippines’ finest auction house, specializing in fine art, decorative art, furniture, and rare items. Established in Makati City, it is the country’s first and only auction house dedicated solely to these high-value categories. They hold live and online auctions including works by Filipino masters such as Amorsolo, Zóbel, BenCab, Joya, and HR Ocampo. They also host specialty events, such as the recently conducted Finer Pursuits on June 14, 2025.
“Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art & Rare Collectibles
Held on June 14, 2025, the exhibition featured outstanding handpicked artworks from Filipino artists, unique collectibles, and historically significant objects. To commemorate Salcedo’s 15th anniversary, the event included pieces from the estates of fashion legend Auggie Cordero, Glenda Jackson, and a famous statesman. The event brings together modern and contemporary art, elegant furnishings, and cultural relics to highlight the notion of chasing the better things in life.
Featured Artists and Paintings
Jose Joya’s “Flight” (1962)
During the auction, the painting was sold for Php 37,376,000 which set a new world record for the artist.
Who is José Joya? Let me inform you. Jose Tanig Joya is a pioneering Filipino abstract expressionist and a National Artist for Visual Arts, known for integrating modernist abstraction into the Philippine art scene. He is also noted for his dynamic brushwork, bright tropical colors, and textured layering using impasto, collage, and calligraphic strokes.
Notable works:
- Granadean Arabesque (1958)
- Biennial (1964)
- Flight (1962) – which sold for Php 37.3M at Salcedo Auctions last June 14, 202
Vicente Manansala’s “Untitled (Carabaos)” (1965)
Known best for developing a distinctive style called “transparent cubism” which is a technique where delicate tones and overlapping shapes create a layered, almost translucent effect. His works bridge rural and urban life, often portraying jeepneys, vendors, and everyday Filipinos in a style that blends cubism with folk realism.
Notable Works:
- “Untitled (Carabaos)” was bought for Php 12,848,000 at the Salcedo Auctions, a record for a work of its size and is the same work referred to as Lot 39 in the official catalog
- Madonna of the Slums
- Planting rice
- Market Vendors
Fernando Zóbel’s “Erenos”
A Filipino-Spanish modernist painter, intellectual, and cultural patron who played a pivotal role in the development of postwar abstraction in both the Philippines and Spain. He is best known for his elegant abstract works, often inspired by calligraphy, music, and memory.
Notable Works:
- Erenos was sold for Php 28,032,000 at the Salcedo Auction
- Las Orillas
- Dialogos Series
- Serie Negra
Other Featured Artists
- BenCab – Page From A Diary, Nena in Paris, Anito / Ninuno
- Arturo Luz – Homage to Isamu Noguchi #40
- Nena Saguil – Untitled (abstract biomorphic forms)
- Michael Cacnio – Golfer from his Children at Play Series
- Ramon Orlina – Untitled glass sculpture
- Elmer Borlongan – Inquirer
- Lynyrd Paras – A Lot of three untitled expressionist paintings
- Betsy Westendorp – Untitled (Florals)
- Napoleon Abueva – Untitled sculpture
- Junyee – Recline (installation-based work)
- H.R. Ocampo – Untitled (Mother and Child) and Untitled (Man and Woman)
- Federico Aguilar Alcuaz – View of Manila
- Arnold Lalongisip – Stilts (Series 1)
- Demi Padua – The Theater Master
- Emmanuel Garibay – Tipa
- Geraldine Javier – Imaginary War
- Alfredo Esquillo Jr. – Hari-harian
Paintings of many admirable artists were sold to their forever homes. Where art meets the people, they bring out the passion and stories behind the minds of the painters. In recognizing these works and their creators, we celebrate ourselves—our story, our identities, and the continuing spirit of Philippine art.
