{"status":true,"msg":{"data":{"id":1705,"auction_id":3,"set_id":4,"lot_number":"17","artist":"Norma Belleza (b. 1939)","title":"Buhay Bukid","starting_price":300000,"signed_dated":"signed and dated 2018 (upper left)","medium":"oil on canvas","size":"30\" x 30\" (76 cm x 76 cm)","property":null,"coa":"Accompanied by a certificate signed by the artist\nconfirming the authenticity of this lot","provenance":null,"exhibited":null,"literature":null,"write_up":"Norma Belleza’s hometown of San Fernando in Pampanga profoundly influenced the themes and subjects present in her art. Growing up, Belleza lived in a house situated near the town market, thus familiarizing herself with its vibrant everyday affairs. In a 1987 interview by Cid Reyes and published in his landmark book titled Conversations on Philippine Art (1989), the esteemed art critic asks the artist: “How about you, Ate Norma, regarding your subject matter….” Belleza answers: “I was a frequenter of the market. Whenever I was there, I would catch sight and carefully observe the goods sold by market vendors, such as vegetables and fish.”
\nThe vibrancy of a marketplace would eventually go on to influence the inherent exuberance of Belleza’s compositions. Her honest depictions of the folk people, who are seen situated in cramped spaces and whose faces connote anguish, exude vulnerability, yet at the same time, fortitude and strength. The vibrant palette represents courage in adversity; the masses are their own light toward liberation. The palpability of Belleza’s works invokes empathy for the viewer’s part, making them feel and partake in the struggles and innate strength of the people in the face of all tribulations. (A.M.)","lot_group":"PAINTING","lot_details_html":"
Norma Belleza (b. 1939) Buhay Bukid signed and dated 2018 (upper left) oil on canvas 30\" x 30\" (76 cm x 76 cm)