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Onib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Aling Metring signed and dated 1979 (lower right) oil on canvas 30" x 30" (76 cm x 76 cm) Accompanied by a certificate signed by Ms. Bettina Rodriguez-Olmedo confirming the authenticity of this lot Onib Olmedo's artistic vision ventures into the realm of human experience, a realm that transcends conventional boundaries and delves into the ineffable. With a deft hand, Olmedo orchestrates a transformation of the human form, casting it into an abstract realm that defies the confines of our reality. Through this distortion, he unearths the profound truths that course through the veins of human existence, laying bare the intricate tapestry of trials, dreams, and questions that define our journey. Olmedo's approach to art is a deliberate dance with the enigmatic facets of the human psyche. His creations are not mere compositions; they emerge as portals to the depths of our collective consciousness. Employing the figurative expressionist technique, he masterfully disrupts the conventional contours of the human figure. In this distortion, he finds a voice to encapsulate the visceral struggles that underpin human existence. The figures he conjures, obtuse and ethereal, embody the very essence of challenges faced and dreams tormented. Within the intense glare of their gaze, a magnetic tension resides—a tension that draws us into the narrative of their existence. These figures, seemingly aloof, become vessels through which we explore the labyrinthine corridors of the human soul. Through their veiled wounds, Olmedo beckons us to confront the complexities of our own experiences, bridging the gap between the canvas and the realm of introspection. Yet, amid the labyrinth of struggles, a resolute spirit emerges from the shadows. The very same figures that stand marked by life's harsh realities, rise defiantly to face the battles that life presents. Their unwavering determination is a beacon of hope that navigates the treacherous waters of despair. Olmedo paints a tableau of resilience, reminding us that within the depths of torment, the human spirit remains unbroken, undeterred by the forces that seek to confine it. (Jed Daya)
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Father and Son signed and dated 1982 (lower right) pastel on paper 29" x 21" (74 cm x 53 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo-Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot This pastel on paper piece reveals the artistic approach of Onib Olmedo that goes beyond external appearances to explore the human spirit. The distortion and exaggeration of their features intend to evoke emotions, complexities, and the mental states of the human condition. Olmedo‘s abiding interest in people and the world matured in the streets of Manila, particularly in Malate and Ermita. He developed a deep sympathy for the masses, it did not matter to him if they were old and blind street performers or destitute women hustling foreigners. Although the artist’s oeuvres portray the inner torment experienced by mankind in modern times, his art has struck the hearts of many and his works remain to be popular among collectors.In 1990, Olmedo mounted his first and only show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. (Isabella Romarate)
Leon GalleryOrgasm signed and dated 1990 (lower right) oil pastel on felt paper 22” x 28” (56 cm x 71 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Gisella Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryUntitled ca. 1990s oil pastel on felt paper 28” x 22” (71 cm x 56 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Gisella Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryBaguio Cottages signed and dated 1989 (lower right) oil pastel on felt paper 28” x 22” (71 cm x 56 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Gisella Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryGirl in the Mirror signed and dated 1990 (lower right) acrylic on canvas 36" x 24" (91 cm x 61 cm) PROVENANCE Finale Art File, Makati City EXHIBITED Cultural Center of the Philippines Bulwagang Juan Luna, Ang Kiukok. Solomon Saprid. Onib Olmedo. Three Filipino Figurative Expressionists, Manila, June 1 - July 22, 1990 Amanecer Building, Intramuros, Ang Kiukok. Solomon Saprid. Onib Olmedo. Three Filipino Figurative Expressionists, Manila, June 3 - July 14, 1990 LITERATURE Limbo, Ma. Salva R. Ang Kiukok. Solomon Saprid. Onib Olmedo. Three Filipino Figurative Expressionists. Manila: Galleria Bernice L and Galeria de las Islas, 1990. Published on the occasion of the 1990 exhibition of the same name at the CCP Bulwagang Juan Luna and the Amanecer Building, Intramuros.Full-color photograph and painting description on page 39. Girl in the Mirror reveals all the notable attributes of an Onib Olmedo portrait. The woman on the canvas exudes an intense aura as she stares directly at the audience. Her eyes are disproportionate, her upper lip is slightly askew, and her nose is long and bulbous. This acrylic painting was rendered with the artist’s iconic figurative expressionist approach, employing vigorous brushstrokes and a dark neutral palette. Olmedo made a name for himself owing to his unique works that go beyond external appearances to explore the human spirit. His abiding interest in people and the world as subjects of his art matured in the streets of Manila, particularly in Malate and Ermita. He developed a deep sympathy for the masses, it did not matter to him if they were old and blind street musicians or destitute women hustling foreigners. Although the artist’s oeuvres portray the inner torment experienced by mankind in modern times, his art has struck the hearts of many and his works were and remain to be popular among collectors. In 1990, Olmedo mounted his first and only show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. (P.I.R.)
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Nude series signed and dated 1989 (lower right) pastel on paper 21” x 27” (53 cm x 69 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Bettina Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled ca. 1990s oil pastel on felt paper 28” x 22” (71 cm x 56 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled signed and dated 1990 (lower right) pastel on paper 22” x 28” (56 cm x 72 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled signed and dated 1996 (lower right) watercolor and pen and ink on paper 11” x 8” (28 cm x 20 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Mrs. Gisella Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot LITERATURE: Olmedo, Onib. In My Life: Soul Portraits by Onib Olmedo. Makati: Ayala Foundation, Inc., 2010. Full color illustration on page 81. This portrait of a young man bears all the hallmarks of an Onib Olmedo figurative expressionist painting. The ears are exaggeratedly large. The upper lip is slightly askew. The nose has an abnormally bulbous lower portion and is also lopsided. But the most arresting feature is the look of intensity in his eyes. It impacts the viewer the impression that this young man is out to take on the world. He does not know what the future may bring. But he is determined to overcome whatever obstacles may come his way. To his mind, there are really no problems— only challenges that present opportunities for personal growth and development. There are no adversities — only situations that could strengthen his character. This portrait exudes the intense aura of a young man looking into the future which holds the promise of his most cherished dreams being fulfilled.
Leon GalleryPROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF A DISTINGUISHED COUPLE Onib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled signed and dated 1994 (lower right) pastel on paper 22" x 27 1/2" (56 cm x 70 cm) León Gallery wishes to thank Mrs. Gisella Olmedo-Araneta for confirming the authenticity of this lot Onib Olmedo, a leading expressionist artist in the country, made a name for himself for his highly original works which go beyond external appearances to explore the human spirit. His intense and abiding interest in people and the world as subjects of his art matured in the streets of Manila, particularly in Malate and Ermita. From the destitute women hustling foreigners to the old and blind street musicians, he developed a deep sympathy for the masses. The expressionist mood in Olmedo’s oeuvres is fused with an absorbing interest in form, since he was not primarily concerned with the plane of external appearances. He composed his figures not only on the surface but also in-depth, interpenetrating one another and creating the effect of a wraithlike apparition. The ‘90s was a memorable decade for Olmedo. In 1990, he mounted his first and only show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Two years later, in 1992, he received the Thirteen Artists Award and also became a recipient of awards from the Internationale Exposition des Peintures at the Château Musée de Cagnes-sur-Mer, France. Then, in 1994, this pastel piece was made. After two years, Olmedo passed away in 1996. (P.I.R.)
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Portrait of a Woman ca. 1990s acrylic on canvas 36" x 24" (91 cm x 61 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo-Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot There is a sense of unease and familiarity that makes this particular piece by the renowned modernist Onib Olmedo so captivating and profound. Olmedo was a pioneer of the figurative expressionist movement that defined the Filipino visual arts landscape of the 60s and 70s. His style defied the conventions of the genre through his exaggerated forms, distorted dimensions, and amplified symmetry. His portraits captured the spirit of the age, reflecting not only his style’s core principles, but the burgeoning energy that defined the country’s sociopolitical and cultural atmosphere. Thus his works were not created in an attempt to beautify or romanticize the world around him, but rather to unearth the realities hidden within our collective experiences. (J.D.)
Leon GalleryThe Apartment 2016 edition of 40 fiberglass reinforced resin, acrylic and oil 23” x 16” x 12” (58 cm x 40 cm x 30cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Secret Fresh and Ms. Gisella O. Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled oil pastel on felt paper 27 1/2” x 21” (70 cm x 53 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled oil pastel on felt paper 27 1/4” x 21” (70 cm x 53 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled signed and dated 1978 (lower right) pen and ink on paper 16” x 11 1/2” (41 cm x 29 cm)
Leon GalleryPortrait of Barbara Gonzalez signed and dated 1980 (lower right) pastel on paper 22 1/2" x 17 1/2" (57 cm x 44 cm) Onib Olmedo’s figurative, surrealist-expressionist portraits depict humans as imbued with torment and anguish. When Olmedo created this piece of Gonzalez, the latter had just become the chairman and president of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. Holding such a high position meant greater responsibilities in handling various engagements for Gonzalez. “Onib Olmedo was a very good friend of mine. He was one of the judges for the Guhit Bulilit contest of Coca- Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., of which, at some point in my career, I was chairman and president. He painted this portrait of me looking crabby because of the hassles of running the contest,” recalls Gonzalez. (A.M.)
Leon GalleryPair of Nudes signed and dated 1986 (lower right) each charcoal on paper 19 1/4"x121/4"(49cmx31cm)each Each piece is accompanied by a certificate confirming the authenticity of this lot PROVENANCE Estate of the artist There is a sense of unease and familiarity that make these pieces by the renowned modernist Onib Olmedo so captivating and profound. Olmedo was a pioneer of the figurative expressionist movement that defined the Filipino visual arts landscape of the 60s and 70s. His style defied the conventions of the genre through his exaggerated forms, distorted dimensions, and amplified symmetry. His portraits captured the spirit of the age, reflecting not only his style’s core principles, but the burgeoning energy that defined the country’s sociopolitical and cultural atmosphere. Thus his works were not created in an attempt to beautify or romanticise the world around him, but rather to unearth the realities hidden within our collective experiences. This untitled pastel on paper piece seemingly showcases Olmedo understanding of human nature. An understanding that welcomes and accepts complexity that often comes with relating to other beings. Despite this complexity, Olmedo’s piece accepts the situation in a similar way that Albert Camus’ Sisyphus remains steadfast in his unending turmoil, through a state of bliss built upon the acceptance of human nature. (J.D.)
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Bionic Syndrome (Sepia) 2016 fiberglass, reinforced resin, acrylic and oil 17” x 17” x 8” (43 cm x 43 cm x 20 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Secret Fresh and Ms. Gisella O. Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryM. C. Cacho and Onib Olmedo Untitled signed and dated 1994 (lower right) pastel on paper 15 1/2” x 11” (39 cm x 28 cm)
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled (Nude Lady) ca. 1990s oil pastel on felt paper 28” x 22” (71 cm x 56 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo-Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Copenhagen signed and dated 1979 (lower right) pen and ink on paper 17” x 13” (43 cm x 33 cm) PROPERTY FROM THE JOSE ZAIDE COLLECTION
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Untitled (The Happening) ca. 1990 oil pastel on felt paper 28" x 22" (71 cm x 56 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo-Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot Faces with piercing gazes that appear anxious and afflicted abound the oeuvres of Onib Olmedo, an artist who was ahead of his time with his unique figurative expressionist approach. His pieces evoke emotions, complexities, and the states of mind of the human condition through distortion and exaggeration of features. A keen observer of people and a habitué of the bars and cafés along Mabini, Olmedo had much to say in his paintings about Manila, its people, and its changing social climate. Thus. his interest in his subjects goes far more profound than the superficial appearance of their facial characteristics. He is heralded by many for his own genius style and rendered subjects often drawn from his immediate surroundings. The popularity of Olmedo continues to grow through the years — his aesthetics serve as an influence on other Filipino artists, and his artistic legacy lives on among art enthusiasts and collectors. (P.I.R.)
Leon GalleryOnib Olmedo (1937 - 1996) Musicians signed and dated 1990 (lower right) acrylic on canvas 29 3/4" x 41 1/2" (76 cm x 105 cm) Accompanied by a certificate issued by Ms. Gisella Olmedo-Araneta confirming the authenticity of this lot Onib Olmedo's propensity for subject matters related to music can be attributed to his daughter, Bambi, who took up ballet classes. While Olmedo's works from the 1990s are lighter in ambiance than his earlier works that explicitly depicted human anguish, alienation, and desolation, they are nonetheless still imbued with powerful distortions that give credence to his stature as Philippine art's most prominent figurative expressionist painter. Olmedo's style of figurative expressionism has influenced several contemporary artists, notably Elmer Borlongan. Of Olmedo's influence on his art, Borlongan praises his luminary: "I admire his spontaneity and closeness to his subject matter. I love the freedom in his brushstrokes, without hewing to the correct proportion of human anatomy but capturing the soul of every figure." The 2000 book Kayumanggi: Biographies of Philippine Visual Artists writes: "While most of his works consist of faces of people, these are not portraits in the sense of physical likeness, but rather haunting soul pictures of humans warped and distorted by anguish and suffering, victims of social injustice, as well as of their own tortured psyches. [Olmedo] has described his art as imploding into an inner universe, where bodies glow from within, like phosphorescent creatures. [His] figures convey a sense of dehumanization and alienation." The subjects of Olmedo's works are usually inspired by the ordinary peoples of Sampaloc and Ermita, which includes musicians, workers, vendors, servers, and even prostitutes. This work titled Musicians belongs to a distinguished collector. The collector revealed that this was one of Olmedo's favorite paintings. In this piece, the artist depicts an ensemble of cello players in what seems like a symphony orchestra. Their faces are highly distorted and connote distress. Here, Olmedo captures the numerous struggles that a musician must endure. Personal and professional setbacks and existential crises have pervaded a musician's pursuits. These are issues that Olmedo compellingly captures in this painting. However, Olmedo's approach to figurative expressionism also imbibes a humanizing quality to his subjects, paying homage to the triumph of the human spirit in the midst of their misery, anguish, and hopelessness. The soothing and harmonious sound of an orchestra that is evoked in this piece is Olmedo's subtle reminder to the viewer that things will all eventually fall into their rightful place. (A.M.)
Leon Gallery