Salcedo Auctions Sculpture for Filipino homes

Sculptures aren't exactly typical of the artworks to be found in most Filipino homes. Chances are, a Filipino home will have a painting or two, and other decorative accents to spruce up interiors. However, sculptures-modern sculptures in particular-do not exactly top the list of the art objects he has in mind when decorating his living space.

That may soon change though, as sculptures may soon become quite as common in the home as a decorative fixture. This is because Salcedo Auctions (Tordesillas St., Makati City) is embarking on a new enterprise intended for the edification of the Filipino by way of exhibits on artworks and furnishings in the months to come.

"It's actually planned that in between auctions, we will have exhibits," says Miguel Rosales, the vice president of Salcedo Auctions, referring in this instance to their previously concluded auction.

To those in the know, Rosales has long been active in the artistic community. "It's a natural offshoot of my design background as an art consultant," he says simply, noting that he works with artists of all types, sculptors included.

Indeed, for their very first art exhibit, their company will showcase the work of famed artist, Impy Pilapil-who to the general public is known for her glass sculptures and installations that have graced numerous public areas and private homes in the country.

This time, however, the general public might be surprised to find that the materials Pilapil will use may be quite different from what they were accustomed to seeing her work with.

"It will be surprising and different," says Rosales, "as she used stone, wood, steel and even a surfboard in her works."

Actually, there are only five pieces on display that make use of the above-mentioned media or a combination thereof. There are also "small pieces" made from a combination of wood and marble that could easily be placed on display on a tabletop. It's collectively known as the Saturn Series and shows Pilapil's current interest in cosmology and Anthroposophy (a philosophy that seeks to guide man's spiritual element to the spiritual in the universe).

"All the pieces show strength and fluidity and are very timeless," says Rosales, noting that these very qualities are commendable for Filipinos who are searching for quality pieces that could grace both the indoor and outdoor spaces of their homes.

Of course, it need not be mentioned that the sculptures on exhibit are also for sale. "It's a silent auction. Guests can place a bid with us and we will award the winning bids after," he shares.

But can modernistic sculptures actually find a place in the Filipino home?

Mr. Rosales seems positive about the possibility; although he believes it must satisfy the homeowner first. "You buy a sculpture for the same reasons you buy any other type of art," he says, "it must appeal to you and make you very happy every time you see it."

He notes that sculptures in particular have always been a part of Filipino interiors, citing the "bulol" (carvings of rice gods) and colonial "santos" (holy images) as prime examples of how this type of art and our planning of interiors can provide choices to the art lover-cum-homeowner.

Of course, the general public's reaction has yet to be accurately gauged regarding the matter. What's positive though is that the local art and home accents scene may not necessarily be the same again after auction house's series of exhibits and lectures.

So, sculptures anyone? Well, the answer might just be-yes. (Salcedo Auctions will be holding a series of lectures on Scandinavian furnishings prior to their second art auction this September. Visit their website, www.salcedoauctions.com for the schedule.