Home      Stories      Nena Saguil 2024 Book Launch

Nena Saguil 2024 Book Launch Commemorating Her 110th Birth Anniversary

On September 12, 2024, art connoisseurs together with the Saguil family gathered at the Ben Chan ArtSuite, located within the Areté at Ateneo de Manila University, to celebrate the launch of the Nena Saguil 2024 Book. Marking the 110th birth anniversary of the pioneering Filipino abstract artist, the book serves as a vital documentation of Saguil’s artistic journey, featuring a curated selection of her most significant works—diptychs, triptychs, polyptychs, and other rare pieces.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Juan Carlos Pineda, CEO of Art House, setting the stage for an afternoon of reflection and celebration. A special highlight was the presentation by Benjamin Saguil Jr., the artist’s nephew, who provided insights into the book’s conception and its significance in preserving Saguil’s legacy. Beyond the artworks themselves, the publication includes a rare, previously unpublished article by Ernest Fraenkel, offering a deep dive into Saguil’s artistic and human persona. Originally written in French, this piece was translated into English under the guidance of the late Professor Emmanuel Torres of Ateneo de Manila University, ensuring its accessibility to a broader audience.

One of the most anticipated moments of the launch was the special talk by Wang Zineng, founder of Art Agenda S.E.A. In his presentation, Alone Together: Nena Saguil and Kindred Artists, Zineng examined Saguil’s place within global 20th-century art, drawing connections between her and other pioneering female artists such as Hilma af Klint, Agnes Pelton, and Yayoi Kusama. His insights shed new light on Saguil’s artistic evolution from representational art to her deeply metaphysical abstractions, highlighting her engagement with solitude and spirituality as a means of creative expression.

The event concluded with a mingling session where attendees had the opportunity to view select works by Saguil from the Ateneo Art Gallery’s collection. Guests also had the chance to engage with contributors and have their copies of the book signed, fostering an intimate exchange of ideas and appreciation for Saguil’s enduring impact on Philippine and global art.

The book is a testament to the artist’s unwavering pursuit of the absolute and her continued relevance in contemporary discussions on abstraction and spirituality. This launch not only celebrated Nena’s legacy but also reinforced the importance of preserving and studying the works of Filipino modernists on the global stage.

Home      Stories      Beyond Horizons: Of Art, Legacy, and Cebu

IPI Center by Rockwell and Lumena Auctions are thrilled to jointly present the exhibition “Beyond Horizons: Of Art, Legacy, and Cebu,” which will run at The Glass House at IPI Center Done Rockwell, Pope John Pope Paul II Ave., Cebu City from Aug 26 to 28, 2024.

“Beyond Horizons: Of Art, Legacy, and Cebu” is an exhibition showcasing the works of both historical and contemporary masters. This comprehensive exploration delves deeply into the heart of the region’s artistic tradition, highlighting the diverse contributions of key figures who have shaped its vibrant scene.

From the luminous landscapes of Diosdado Villadolid (Diovil) to the intricate craftsmanship of Balsicas Villadolid, the exhibition traces the evolution of Cebuano art through the celebrated families like the Villadolids. Contemporary artists Jose Villadolid, Kimsoy Yap, and Romulo Galicano infuse the exhibition with fresh perspectives, while the innovative styles of Virgilio Daclan and Tito Cuevas bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

Pioneering artists such as Carmelo Tamayo, Roger Gutierrez, Sofronio Mendoza, and Martino Abellana are also celebrated for their instrumental roles in shaping Cebu’s artistic landscape. The exhibition also acknowledges the significant contributions of Gamaliel Subang, whose distinct vision adds another layer to the region’s artistic tapestry.

Beyond being a mere showcase, Beyond Horizons is a narrative that traces the interplay of history, culture, and artistic expression. Through thematic explorations, the exhibition illuminates the evolution of Cebuano art, from its traditional roots to its contemporary flourishing. It underscores art’s profound role in preserving and reflecting the community’s identity.

By bringing together a diverse collection of masterpieces, Beyond Horizons celebrates the enduring spirit of Cebuano art and invites audiences to appreciate the beauty, complexity, and innovation that define this unique artistic heritage.

Curated by: Alyssa Selanova

Beyond Horizons: Of Art, Legacy, and Cebu
August 26, 2024 – August 28, 2024
Rockwell IPI (Glass House), Pope John Paul II Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City

Home      Stories      Cosmic Concerns: Nena Saguil & Fadjar Sidik

Lumena Auctions and Art Agenda are pleased to jointly present the exhibition, Cosmic Concerns: Nena Saguil & Fadjar Sidik, which runs at Lumena Auction’s brand-new gallery at Mahogany Place, Cebu, from June 28 to July 12, 2024. This landmark exhibition features two of Southeast Asia’s leading 20th-century painters, each making significant contributions to abstract art in the region. It marks the first time both Saguil and Sidik’s works are juxtaposed in one exhibition and the first time both artists’ works are shown in Cebu.

At the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale, both Nena Saguil and Fadjar Sidik are represented by a work each on loan from the Philippine and Indonesian national collections, respectively. They are the only two 20th-century artists from Southeast Asia among 37 others featured in the abstraction section of the Biennale’s main exhibition, Foreigners Everywhere.

In Cebu—a city with tourism and maritime significance comparable to Venice—a larger collection of over a dozen works by Nena Saguil and Fadjar Sidik has been assembled, creating an unlikely but memorable encounter between the two artists. Seeing their works side by side, Cosmic Concerns invites audiences to explore the cosmic imagination of Saguil and Sidik, revealing how their artistic practices transcend time and place to resonate with the universal human quest for meaning and connection amidst the vastness of the cosmos.

For media inquiries, please contact Alyssa Selanova at alyssa@lumenaauctions.com (Philippines) or Jessie Lim at info@artagendasea.org (Indonesia and International).

Home      Stories      The King Collection: Celebrating the Legacy of Andrew Roy King, A Prolific Collector of Asian Art Treasures

Andrew Roy King, the former country director of IDP Philippines, is a name synonymous with passion and discernment in the world of art collecting. This upcoming auction on November 25, 2023 presents a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from his extensive collection, a testament to his lifelong journey and love affair with art.

An Australian by birth, King’s adventure in the Philippines began in the 1990s, bringing with him an insatiable curiosity and deep appreciation for Asian art. His role as the country director of IDP Education Pty Ltd since 1998 allowed him to immerse himself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region, further fueling his passion for collecting.

King’s collection is vast and varied, with a particular emphasis on Chinese works of art. His homes, both in Australia and the Philippines, served as sanctuaries for these treasures, carefully curated over decades. Today, most of his collections reside with relatives in Australia and family members in Manila, cherished reminders of his artistic legacy.

However, a selection of important works has remained in Cebu, and it is these pieces that are now being offered to discerning collectors and art enthusiasts in this highly anticipated auction. These items not only represent King’s exquisite taste but also his personal journey through Asia and his travels to countries like Egypt, adding layers of intrigue and historical context to the collection.

Among the highlights of the auction are pieces from the owl collection of his second wife, Janet Ann Shepherd, a former regional director of the World Health Organization. Her own passion for art and her distinguished career have undoubtedly contributed to the depth and diversity of King’s collection, making this auction all the more significant.

The auction presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Andrew Roy King’s legacy, a collection that embodies his passion for Asian art and his lifelong journey through its history and culture. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of art collecting, this auction offers something for everyone, a chance to connect with the past and carry forward the legacy of a man who lived and breathed art.

Join us as we celebrate the life and collection of Andrew Roy King, and take part in the continuation of his artistic journey. Don’t miss this chance to acquire a piece of history, and own a work from one of the most prolific collectors of Asian art in Cebu.