Seventeen paintings from Filipino artists have been included by Masterpiece Auction House in their forthcoming auction on August 16 and 17 at the Ballroom of the Sheraton Towers at 36 Scotts Road, Singapore. It will be the second major auction for Masterpiece in Singapore.

There will be a total of 412 lots available for auction. The focus of the upcoming exhibition will be on quality contemporary and modern art pieces from China, Indonesia, India, Philippines, and Vietnam. The event opens with a three-day viewing of the available artwork from August 14 to 16. The Indonesian Contemporary Art and Chinese Contemporary Art will be auctioned on August 16 while the focus will be on Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art on August 17.

This year, the pieces that comprise the Philippine Section come from artists such as: Winner Jumalon, Lydia Velasco, Rodel Tapaya, Jerry Morada, Jaspher Penuliar, Marcel Antonio, Vincent de Pio, Edwin Tres Reyes, Pedro Garcia, Juanito Torres, Chubern di Loretto, Joselito Dayono, Jovan Benito, Oscar Salita and Reynold de la Cruz. There are two outstanding pieces from senior artists: National Artist Arturo Luz’s 24" x 48" acrylic on canvas work "Palitana Temples" and Ramon Orlina’s "In Mother’s Embrace."

Drawing strong early interest are Luz’s "Palitana Temples," Lydia Velasco’s 48" x 48" mixed media on canvas work "Summer," Jerry Morada’s 48" x 48" "Gold, Silver and Precious Jewels," Rodel Tapaya’s "Ang Sabi Sabi," Winner Jumalon’s "Woman Figure," Jaspher Penuliar’s "Boy" and Joselito Dayono’s "Better World."

Founded five years ago, Masterpiece is one of the major Southeast Asian auctions holding over 12 auctions a year in Indonesia. In March 2008, it opened in Singapore, bringing with it the company’s successful experience in conducting auctions for the different sectors of the art market. Its March 2008 auction had 418 lots of which 86.5 percent were successfully sold. The Filipino section was comprised of works of artists such as: Winner Jumalon, Ian Abrogar Quirante, Lydia Velasco, Dominic Rubio, Aileen Lanuza, Amy Aragon, Jerry Morada and Vincent de Pio.

"Masterpiece takes a keen interest and pride in raising the profile of Asian art, particularly Southeast Asian art, in the international arts scene and in providing aspiring artists the opportunity to showcase their works to a community of discerning art aficionados…People are starting to realize the value of art and are willing to fork out money to invest in a good art piece which they believe will increase in value over time. Our second auction here in Singapore promises to be bigger and will showcase more exciting art," says Benny Raharjo, Masterpiece president.

Among the internationally in-demand line-up of artists are: Nyoman Masriadi, Putu Sutawjaya, Agus Swage, Budi Kustarto, Dipo Andy, Zhou Chunya, Feng Zhengjie, Qi Zhilong, Le Pho, Hendra Gunawan and Tsui Tin Yun.

Interested parties are welcome to come to Singapore for the four-day auction that includes viewing dates and the auction proper. Filipino collectors will be hosted to a special preview and lunch from 12 noon to 2 p.m. tomorrow. Ambassador Plenipotentiary Belen Anota of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore is the guest of honor.

Absentee bids may be sent either through a fax bids or phone-in bids.

Interested parties may visit www.masterpieceauction.com.sg or call +65-67478151 or write to info@masterpieceauction.com.sg as well as text or call 0922 226 2775.