Antonio Austria was among the first group of promising young artists included in Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) “13 Artists” in 1970. His artistic career spans more than six decades and promotes “Filipino roots and soul”. He is known for artworks inspired by things around him, like “local folk arts and crafts, religious icons, and ethnic motifs”.
The Antonio Austria Restrospective has works by Austria and his and his family’s collections, and those borrowed from private and institutional collections.
When I entered the gallery, my eyes embraced the warm green color that was predominantly in majority of the artworks. Everything seemed familiar because it is about Filipino culture, from the wrought iron chairs, billiard tables, the sari-sari stores, to the very symbol of the Filipino masses – the jeepneys. I thought I belonged in that room, among the representations of being Pinoy. It is one fun non-intimidating exhibit.
All English translations are mine.
6 Decades of Antonio Austria Art Exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines from May 7 to July 10, 2016.
Portrait of a Boy, 1957 (Oil on plywood). Collection of Irvin Go.
Si Antonio, 1989 (Oil on canvas), Si Antonio, 2004 (Oil on canvas) and Si Antonio Studies (Ballpen on paper). All from collection of Antonio Austria.
Magluluma, 1978 (Oil on canvas). Collection of Antonio Austria. Regina C. Cruz wrote that Austria started collecting bottles in 1979 when he strayed into Gilda Cordero-Fernando’s shop, and that shop is brought to life in this painting.
PUJ, 1970 (Oil on plyboard). Collection of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. PUJ means Public Utility Jeepney – the most common mode of transportation in the Philippines.
Talik (Lovemaking), 2003 (Oil on canvas). Collection of John Te Cua. Talik II (Lovemaking II), 2002 (Oil on canvas). Collection of Didit and Gerry van der Linden.
Antonio Austria Retrospective exhibit runs from May 7 to July 10 at Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) and Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino (Third Floor Hallway Gallery). Like other CCP exhibits, its viewing hours are from 10am to 6pm from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, contact the Visual Arts and Museum Division, Productions and Exhibition Department at (02) 832-1125 local 1504 and 1505 and (02) 832-3702, mobile 0917-6033809, email at ccp.exhibits@gmailcom. Visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph for more detail.