MEET UP WITH COLLECTORS

Jef’s collectors, Ma’am Rose and Sir Tony Paner who came all the way from Muntinlupa City, went up to Baguio for the weekend to celebrate their Silver wedding anniversary. Last Saturday, we met at the Baguio Country Club and after a short snack we accompanied them to Bencab Museum along Asin Road in Tuba, Benguet, a 20-minute drive from the city center.

Last year, they acquired two of Jef’s paintings, "Taraw" (Star) and "Solemn" and were very happy with their collection that they expressed their desire to acquire more of Jef’s pieces to fill the remaining blank spaces on their house walls.

“Solemn” | 60” x 48” | Oil on canvas | 2013.

Taraw” (Star) | 60” x 48” | Oil on canvas | 2013.

“Solemn” and “Taraw", framed and displayed at their guest room. They told us how much their house guests admired Jef’s artistry. Photo courtesy of Ma'am Rose Paner.

We met and had snacks at the Baguio Country Club in the morning.

 

Jef’s early work, “Chinamuy” (Festive Season), 32” x 48”, oil on canvas, 2001, displayed at Bencab Museum. Sir Tony immediately recognized Jef's work from a selection of works displayed in the gallery, adding that Jef's style is so unique he can readily identify it even from afar.

National Artist, Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera was at his museum that day so we were lucky to have a picture taken with him.



Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Paner for supporting Jef's art and for the business advices you shared, which we will surely keep in mind as Jef moves forward with his career. Jef and I, are both glad to have met such kind people like you.

MANILART 2014: CROSSING BORDERS

ManilART 2014 unveils contemporary art of the highest quality that represents a wide range of talent, insight, as well as whimsy. Once again to be held at SMX Aura Convention Center, the show promises to be a prized venue to celebrate Philippine contemporary art and its growing global network of artists and galleries. This year is the 6th edition of ManilART, with 39 best galleries in the Philippines, plus works from Europe and South East Asia, presented by the Bonafide Art Galleries Organization (BAGO) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Each work on display, a sight to behold. 

For more information visit ManilART's official site.

ManilART 2014 poster with Jef's entry, "In the Shade"

"In the Shade" | Oil on canvas | 48" x 36" | 2014 | Mr. Tony Buyawe collection, Philippines.

Jef will only be exhibiting his father's portrait, "In the Shade" this year since we are already limiting the release of his works for his 2nd solo-show. Visit Galerie Francesca's booth D3 (Carlo Magno, Roel Obemio, Anna De Leon, Jef Cablog, Jinggoy Salcedo and MADE 2013 Grand Prize Winners) and C9 (one-man show of Migs Villanueva):

PLANNING JEF’S SECOND SOLO SHOW

It has already been more than two years since Jef had his first solo exhibition and I remember, it took us two years to prepare for that show.  Although we’ve been wanting to plan for a second show, Jef just didn’t have ample time to prepare since he also had several group show commitments in and out of the country the months following his solo show.

After the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong this year, we started discussing a second solo show with Ms. Susanne Tiausas, the owner of Galerie Francesca. We’ve decided that Jef will just finish two of his pending commissions this year and limit the release of his paintings in his upcoming group shows so we can gather enough paintings for his solo show. If the gallery can get a slot at an established art exhibit venue in Manila, we’re looking at late next year as a possible schedule. That way, Jef will have ample time to prepare.

Back in August, he finished his last two commissioned pieces for this year and by September he already started making pieces for his solo-show. Here are photos of the said commissioned paintings:

“The Clearing”, 32” x40”, Oil on canvas, Hubert Guevara collection, Philippines

"The Clearing", installed at Mr. Guevarra's residence

“Dream Weaver”, 40” x 32”, Oil on canvas, Ferdie Hernandez collection, Philippines. This piece is intended  to be displayed at the office of Congressman Hernandez of South Cotabato, a part of his tradition he is proud of. 

“Dream Weaver” is a portrait of renowned dream weaver Lang Dulay , a National Living Treasure awardee in T'nalak Weaving (Manlilikha ng Bayan) a prestigious award given to her in 1998. After garnering her esteemed award, Lang Dulay opened the Manlilikha ng Bayan Center to focus on the preservation of the awe-inspiring art of T'boli textile weaving by training other T'boli weavers in this time; in doing so ensuring that the T'boli weavers continue to dream these magnificent patterns that take shape on the loom.

TINALAK WEAVING:
T'nalak weaving undoubtedly hailed as South Cotabato's ultimate cultural emblem is a traditional masterpiece of geometric patterns dreamt to life by T'boli women, uniquely known as "Dreamweavers" who translate their dreams into intricate patterns of intensely colored abaca fibers.

Just like any other other artist who is preparing for a major show, I had to make sure Jef has enough materials. A few days ago after doing my regular inventory, I ordered online and received additional 93 pcs., 200 ml tubes of oil paint. We have a total of 279 tubes in stock and should last for a year or two. Jef consumes too much paint because of his impasto technique so lately, I‘ve always ordered in bulk. Also, he still has around 47mtrs in a 72” width canvas and around 25mtrs in a 60” width canvas so I think that is just enough for the coming months.

As of today, the 3rd of October I received news that there are only 3 remaining small works (in size 16” x 14”) consigned at the gallery that they can offer for sale. They have no other pieces to offer to clients and they still keep receiving inquiries. We also have no other artworks of his on-hand so we are very thankful for the overwhelming demand for his work and the support of his collectors.Once we finalize the date and venue for his second solo-show, I'll surely keep you guys updated. Thank you all for your support.