The treasure trove of Philippine art include a virtual who’s who in the Philippine art world. Foremost of these masterpieces are three rare works by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz. These works, done by the master in the seventies in Barcelona, were secured from the European collection of a gentleman. Done in an abstract assemblage, these paintings were inspired by Alcuaz’s European sojourn and reflect the various images and scenes he came upon there. The 1977 painting "Abstract, Landscape and Still Life," was selected by Borobodur Auction to be the cover of a set of catalogs that they have sent over to the Philippines.

Thirty paintings of Filipino artists will be included in the Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art auction set for the afternoon of May 17 at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Center, 1 Raffles Blvd., Suntec City, Singapore. Viewing of the artworks for auction will be on May 15 and 16 at Suntec City.

Aside from the three Alcuaz works, included in the auction are two unique works by Juvenal Sanso, "Trio Performers" by National Artist Arturo Luz, a rare work by National Artist HR Ocampo titled "Ecstasy", two glass sculptures by Ramon Orlina, Mario Parial’s "Pink Venus" and a 60" x 78" acrylic on canvas work by Lydia Velasco called "Women at the Bath." Interestingly, Velasco’s piece at the Larsati April 13 auction held in Singapore sold at S$26,400 or P818,400 which was almost five times the minimum estimate.

Part of the 30 paintings that comprise the Filipino section include three works by Eufemio Rasco IV, the 30" x 60" work by Dominic Rubio titled Old Asia (Orchard Road), Jerry Morada, Edwin Tres Reyes, Jaspher Penuliar’s "On Your Mark" and works by Vincent de Pio, Aileen Lanuza, Glenn Cagandahan, Odette Cagandahan, Chubern di Loretto, Carlo Ongchangco, Randy Solon, Gerri Dueñas, Jaypee Samson, Joven Mansit, Rene Cuvos and Cris Villanueva.

Twenty paintings of contemporary young Filipino artists on the other hand, will be included in the Southeast Asian Contemporary art auction at the same venue scheduled on the morning of May 17. These are works by Don Salubayba, Kawayan de Guia, Patricia Eustaquio, Geraldine Javier, Mariano Ching, Ronald Ventura, Louie Cordero, Leonilo Doloricon, Juanito Torres, Rodel Tapaya Garcia, Alfredo Esquillo Jr., Maya Muñoz, Yasmin Ching, Elaine Roberto-Navas, Juan Alcazaren, Jayson Oliveria, Gerardo Tan, Lyra Abueg Garcellano, Wire Tuazon, Jose Legaspi, Winner Jumalon and Kiko Escora.

Borobudur started its auctions in Singapore some four years ago with auctions of Southeast Asian fine art. The name Borobudur comes from the most famous Indonesian architectural monument. This is the temple built by the Syailendra Dynasty and is considered one of the most valuable pieces of artwork ever created in Southeast Asia. The Borobudur auctions have expanded and now include jewelry and watches and Chinese Contemporary Art, totaling categories. Filipino art collectors can actually bid from Manila either through faxed bids, phone bids or by actually attending the auctions. For inquiries, call 723 9418 or 0922 2262775 or visit www.borobudurauctions.com.