{"status":true,"msg":{"data":{"id":22149,"auction_id":24,"set_id":43,"lot_number":"59","artist":"Elmer Borlongan (b. 1967)","title":"Alaga","starting_price":1600000,"signed_dated":"signed and dated 2009 (lower left)","medium":"acrylic on canvas","size":"23 3/4\" x 36\" (61 cm x 91 cm)","property":null,"coa":"León Gallery wishes to thank the artist for \nconfirming the authenticity of this lot","provenance":null,"exhibited":null,"literature":null,"write_up":"To appreciate and engage with the works of Elmer\nBorlongan is to connect with travails of ordinary\nFilipino life. Though a number of local artists have\nsought to busy themselves with a number of largerthan-\nlife events such as historical scenes and visual\nscenes derived from the local mythological canon,\nBorlongan sought to approach his practice by\ndepicting the genuineness of everyday life. From daily\ncommutes to sunday church crowds, Borlongan’s brush\nhas captured what makes life in the Philippines both\nuniversally human and wholly unique. What Borlongan \nhas done to the local art scene is akin to what a\nnumber of 20th century art photographers have\ndone to the realm of street photography. Borlongan’s\nworks are often executed in an exaggerated\nmanner. His lines, angles, and perspectives are often\nasymmetrical, a creative decision that both humor and\nthe candidness of his scene. Thus, his works can be\ncompared to the decisiveness of Henri Cartier-Bresson\nwhile maintaining a sense of humor and frankness that\ncan be found in the works of Daido Moriyama\nand Bruce Gilden.
\nBorlongan’s acrylic on canvas work titled Alaga\ncaptures a genuine moment of respite. His central\nfigure’s vulnerable and carefree position seemingly\ndenotes an atmosphere of rest and relaxation. While\nwhat is presumably his pet’s stance is one that can\nbe interpreted as one of trust. It is these slice-of-life\nmoments where Borlongan’s artistry undoubtedly\nshines the best; in which he manages to capture\nboth the soul of his practice and the spirit of his\nsubject-matter.","lot_group":"PAINTING","lot_details_html":"
Elmer Borlongan (b. 1967) Alaga signed and dated 2009 (lower left) acrylic on canvas 23 3/4\" x 36\" (61 cm x 91 cm)