Marcel Antonio (b. 1965)
The Menagerie
signed (lower left, right panel)dated 1999
acrylic on canvas
48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm) eachoverall: 48" x 72" (122 cm x 183 cm)

PROPERTY FROM THE DON EUGENIO LOPEZ JR. COLLECTION

PROVENANCE:Galleria Duemila, Inc.



Marcel Antonio once again lends his expressive visual storytelling imbued with magic realism in this 1999 masterpiece titled The Menagerie. A menagerie, as defined by dictionaries, is a collection of wild animals kept especially for the exhibition. The mise-en-scene, effervescent not only of vibrant colors but also of scenes that are simultaneously occurring on the canvas, portrays the human tendency to succumb to the subconscious once confined from the conformity of the society. Antonio points out in this visual narrative the emotions and behavior that are inherently repressed – from discussions that are repulsive to the ears of the public to sexual objects and intimate relationships that remain taboo or even illegal. The social commentary, however, critiques not solely the people inside their house but also the animals in their habitat. Rendered in the exact palette and brushwork, both the people and animals are subjects of Antonio’s interpretation of menagerie. A noted name in the local art scene, Antonio is regarded as one of the most promising young artists in the Philippines. He is the son of renowned painters Angelito Antonio and Norma Belleza. The genius of the contemporary expressionist however is attributed to the metamorphosis of his art style. Antonio believes that art is nurtured. From an interview with Artes de las Filipinas, Antonio said: A lot of people have this mistaken notion that art is equated with having talent. I think art can be taught. (P.I.R.)