Mauro Malang Santos (1928 - 2017)
Red Plant
signed and dated 16 - III - 85 (lower right)
gouache on paper
13 1/2" x 11" (34 cm x 28 cm)


Accompanied by a certificate issued by West Galleryconfirming the authenticity of this lot




Mauro "Malang" Santos was famous for his diverse art style, from figuratively abstracted to purely abstract renditions of vendors and mothers to landscape and still lifes. In this 1985 piece titled Red Plant, Malang’s affinity for vibrant colors is evident with the vivid warm hues. He paints no specific botanical species; instead, he creates a personal flora out of bits and imagery from a variety of plants. His still-life paintings, in a sense, depict a transcendental subject that aims to grasp a pure and ideal form of nature. Originally known as a cartoonist, Malang eventually evolved his artistry to Abstract and Cubist approach. In the 1950s, Malang had his breakthrough exhibit at the Philippine Art Gallery. He was named “Artist of the Year” by the Society of Philippine Illustrators and Cartoonists in 1964, and the City of Manila honored him with the Guide of Arts and Culture award in 1981. (P.I.R.)