{"status":true,"msg":{"data":{"id":22154,"auction_id":24,"set_id":43,"lot_number":"61","artist":"Charlie Co (b. 1960)","title":"Checkmates","starting_price":300000,"signed_dated":"signed and dated 2011 (lower right)","medium":"oil on canvas","size":"72\" x 72\" (183 cm x 183 cm)","property":null,"coa":"León Gallery wishes to thank the artist for \nconfirming the authenticity of this lot","provenance":"Galleria Duemila, Dummies, Pasay City, May 7 – June 5, 2011.","exhibited":null,"literature":null,"write_up":"As early as his childhood, Charlie Co has already\ndeveloped his social consciousness concerning\nthe world around him. Throughout his career, he\nhas formed his distinctive images that seem to exist only\nin our imaginations yet are firmly established in reality.\nAccording to the Ateneo Art Gallery, his works have\nbeen described as “childlike fantasies when they are\nplayful and whimsical.” However, his art also serves as\nmanifestations of tribulations, inducing a socio-political\nawakening in every one of us.
\nAs a visual narrator of socio-political critiques and\ncommentaries, Charlie Co’s works are devoid of any\npretensions and rhetorical concepts. Instead, they\noverflow with child-like playfulness and the effervescence\nof children’s stories. Co was first identified as a social\nrealist in the mid-1980s until he ventured into figurative\nexpressionism that integrated surrealism.
\nCheckmates is Co’s study of the sculptures he created\nfor ‘Art in the Park 2012.’ This piece is part of Co’s\nDummies exhibition that presented a critique of\ncontemporary issues. Embodying the proverbial principle\n“see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” this work is\na visual commentary on the 2011 Philippine senate\ninvestigations into the alleged corruption committed by\ngovernment officials. The title of the piece is a wordplay\non the words “check” (cheque) and “mate,” referring to\nthe appropriation of public funds into the pockets and\nbank accounts of public servants with the aid of highranking\nofficials. Faceless and seemingly heartless, the\nfigures are depicted as jesters – a hint at the unabashed\ninjustices perpetrated by those in power. The overall\ncomposition is rendered in somber colors that\nprovoke an agitating sentiment.
\n“I have always associated the subject matter of most\nof my works with everyday scenarios. I cannot help but\nput these situations on canvas, not on a literal level but\nmore as a satire,” said the artist. One may deem Co’s\nworks as dismal and dark due to their hidden allegories,\nbut Co’s artistry still brims with optimism.
\nCo’s empathy and deep-rooted social consciousness\nwill always be the hallmarks of his virtuosity.","lot_group":"PAINTING","lot_details_html":"
Charlie Co (b. 1960) Checkmates signed and dated 2011 (lower right) oil on canvas 72\" x 72\" (183 cm x 183 cm)