Rodel Tapaya's "Advice from Bathala" achieved a new world record based on size, selling for P5.6 million at Salcedo Auctions’ successful March edition of "The Well-Appointed Life."
This marks the third consecutive Tapaya sale to achieve an outstanding outcome at Salcedo Auctions.
The recent auction saw strong sales across various categories, with both established and contemporary Filipino artists fetching top prices, reflecting the growing strength of the local art scene.
Major works by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo and HR Ocampo sold for nearly P8.76 million each.
Other notable sales included works from the 1960s by Juvenal Sanso, Roberto Chabet, and National Artist Vicente Manansala. Additionally, significant pieces by contemporary artists Junyee and Jose Tence Ruiz found new homes, solidifying Salcedo's commitment to promoting Filipino contemporary art.
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This edition also witnessed a historic first: the inclusion and successful sale of signed original works by international and Asian masters. Yayoi Kusama's "Night Flowers (B)" and ink brush scroll paintings by Xia Jing Shan attracted strong interest from collectors.
"The Well-Appointed Life" further demonstrated the evolving tastes of Filipino art enthusiasts. While local artists remain well-supported, there's a growing interest in international art, signifying a maturing collector base.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, the auction offered a diverse selection of fine jewelry, ethnographic art, historical artifacts, and rare books. A Philippine battle flag from 1901 and a rare set of Blair and Robertson's "The Philippine Islands 1493-1898" achieved remarkable sale prices.
Salcedo Auctions' chairman and chief specialist, Richie Lerma, attributes this success to the growing sophistication of Filipino collectors who are embracing a global perspective in their art acquisitions.
“The very top end of the market who lead transnational lives with most having domiciles around the world see themselves as global citizens. The world is their oyster, and so the art they collect naturally reflects this,” Lerma said.
The auction house’s next major sale, "Finer Pursuits," is scheduled for June 15, 2024.