Luis Lorenzana (b. 1979)
Maria Robo Clara (M.R.C.)
signed and dated 2016 (lower right)
oil on canvas
40" x 30" (102 cm x 76 cm)


Accompanied by a certificate signed by the artistconfirming the authenticity of this lot




A self-taught artist, Luis Lorenzana infused his background in politics on his works with a cynicism that belies his longing for a kinder, more equitable world. Born and raised in the inner parts of Manila, a scholar in one of the elite schools in the Philippines with a degree in Public Administration, Lorenzana embarked on a journey through the arts where he created his own unique brand of pop surrealist works. In this piece titled Maria Robo Clara (M.R.C) Lorenzana reimagines both the iconic image of Maria Clara as well as the aesthetic treatment of old portraits and turn-of-the-century photographs. The work is rendered in sepia toned palette, giving the work dated, tarnished, but timeless quality. The central subject features an individual wearing a traditional baro’t saya, but instead of featuring the typical feminine facial features often attributed to the garb (and to the moniker Maria Clara) the individual is one that is not human. In doing so, Lorenzana does not only use elements of pop-culture as a way of reimagining history, but also espouses the idea that our reality, including our ideals, is one that is predominantly socially constructed. The work explores a viewpoint that is deliberately alienating as a way of acknowledging the temporal truths we’ve conveniently constructed for ourselves. (J.D.)