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Lot Essay
“In my work I always celebrate the women of the Philippines. I regard them with deep admiration and they too continue to inspire me – their movements and gestures, their expressions of happiness and frustration; their diligence and shortcomings; their joy of living. I know very well the strength, hard work and quiet dignity [they possess], for I am one of them.” -- Anita Magsaysay-Ho
Painted in 1956, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s Santol Pickers captures the strength and beauty of female labours through a vivid depiction of women harvesting santol fruit. The compressed composition and rich colour palette of greens, browns, and pinks emphasise their unity and the momentum of their work. The artist’s bold, expressive brushstrokes blend realism with abstract elements, highlighting the grace and resilience of these female characters. The present work not only celebrates the daily lives of female workers, but also challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing Magsaysay-Ho's commitment to portraying the significance of women in society. Her work is often described as possessing a rhythmic harmony, with the women in her paintings appearing content and fulfilled in their communal activities. This sense of harmony and serenity is a hallmark of Magsaysay-Ho’s work, distinguishing it from the often tumultuous and chaotic depictions found in other modernist art.
Anita Magsaysay-Ho's career spans several decades, during which she established herself as a leading figure in Philippine art. Celebrated for its unique perspective and innovative approach., her art stood out among the then male-dominated art field. Throughout her career, Magsaysay-Ho's works were characterised by a distinct style that combined figurative elements with abstract forms, earning her recognition and acclaim. Anita's contributions towards Philippine art extended beyond her paintings. She was an active member of the AAP, participating in numerous exhibitions and helping to shape the direction of modern art in the country. Her legacy is celebrated for its impact on the art community and its reflection of Filipino identity.
The artist’s early education in the Philippines and her subsequent training in the United States at institutions like the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts and the Cranbrook Academy of Art have radically informed her artistic language. Her exposure to different cultural and artistic environments allowed her to explore traditional Filipino themes with modernist techniques. Influenced by her personal experiences and the changing art scene, her compositions have become more dynamic and expressive with the presences of bold colours and intricate patterns.
Often depicting women in communal settings and engaging in activities such as winnowing rice or haggling in markets, Magsaysay-Ho’s composition is imbued with a sense of camaraderie and strength, celebrate the role of women in society. The absence of men in her paintings is notable, suggesting a world where women's contributions are essential and sufficient unto themselves. Her depictions of women, whether gossiping in market stalls or labouring in fields, are rendered with a sensitivity that captures both their individuality and their collective strengths. This focus on women reflects not only the artist's personal experiences but also a broader commentary on the role of women in Filipino culture. Her paintings, like the present work, are not merely artistic expressions. They are windows into the soul of Filipino society. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with such clarity and empathy is what makes her work timeless. As we look at her paintings, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of women, their pivotal role in society, and the beauty of their everyday lives.
Painted in 1956, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s Santol Pickers captures the strength and beauty of female labours through a vivid depiction of women harvesting santol fruit. The compressed composition and rich colour palette of greens, browns, and pinks emphasise their unity and the momentum of their work. The artist’s bold, expressive brushstrokes blend realism with abstract elements, highlighting the grace and resilience of these female characters. The present work not only celebrates the daily lives of female workers, but also challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing Magsaysay-Ho's commitment to portraying the significance of women in society. Her work is often described as possessing a rhythmic harmony, with the women in her paintings appearing content and fulfilled in their communal activities. This sense of harmony and serenity is a hallmark of Magsaysay-Ho’s work, distinguishing it from the often tumultuous and chaotic depictions found in other modernist art.
Anita Magsaysay-Ho's career spans several decades, during which she established herself as a leading figure in Philippine art. Celebrated for its unique perspective and innovative approach., her art stood out among the then male-dominated art field. Throughout her career, Magsaysay-Ho's works were characterised by a distinct style that combined figurative elements with abstract forms, earning her recognition and acclaim. Anita's contributions towards Philippine art extended beyond her paintings. She was an active member of the AAP, participating in numerous exhibitions and helping to shape the direction of modern art in the country. Her legacy is celebrated for its impact on the art community and its reflection of Filipino identity.
The artist’s early education in the Philippines and her subsequent training in the United States at institutions like the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts and the Cranbrook Academy of Art have radically informed her artistic language. Her exposure to different cultural and artistic environments allowed her to explore traditional Filipino themes with modernist techniques. Influenced by her personal experiences and the changing art scene, her compositions have become more dynamic and expressive with the presences of bold colours and intricate patterns.
Often depicting women in communal settings and engaging in activities such as winnowing rice or haggling in markets, Magsaysay-Ho’s composition is imbued with a sense of camaraderie and strength, celebrate the role of women in society. The absence of men in her paintings is notable, suggesting a world where women's contributions are essential and sufficient unto themselves. Her depictions of women, whether gossiping in market stalls or labouring in fields, are rendered with a sensitivity that captures both their individuality and their collective strengths. This focus on women reflects not only the artist's personal experiences but also a broader commentary on the role of women in Filipino culture. Her paintings, like the present work, are not merely artistic expressions. They are windows into the soul of Filipino society. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects with such clarity and empathy is what makes her work timeless. As we look at her paintings, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of women, their pivotal role in society, and the beauty of their everyday lives.