Mother and Child
signed and dated 1975 (upper right)
oil on masonite board
28" x 24" (71 cm x 61 cm)

PROVENANCE: Private Collection, USA


Romeo Tabuena’s artistic practice is an intense and articulate exploration of many latently commonfolk themes touched by quiet cultural symbols are local imagery that are seemingly distant from the social realities that are often depicted in other Modern works of art. Though mostly known for his idyllic genre scenes, Tabuena has often experimented with other themes and subject-matter; utilizing his signature style in order to infuse his chosen figures with an inherent sense of lightness and grace, but also of vivacity and playfulness. This acrylic on canvas still life piece is emblematic of Tabuena’s highly inventive technique. In Mother and Child we see Tabuena utilize his colorful and prismatic style that he adopted in 1955 after moving to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. A notable shift from his previous approach that prioritized a sparse color palette and muted tones, here his figures are dappled in an array of colors that seemingly reflect Tabuena’s appreciation of the multifaceted and diverse world of folk and proletarian subjects and life (J. D.)