Pulang Belo
signed and dated 2007 (lower center)
oil on canvas
36" x 24" (91 cm x 61 cm)
Accompanied by a certificate issued by Galerie Artes and signed by the artist confirming the authenticity of this lot



The femininity of the Filipina inspires the oeuvres of Lydia Velasco. A feminist artist herself, the prolific painter renders her muses in a manner that is enkindled by her personal experiences. Velasco describes her subjects as “elongated, massive, heavily set, and invigorated with almost masculine assertiveness,” implying a reversal of gender roles and a criticism of the perceived inferiority of women in a male-dominated society. Her female figures are rendered with radiant presence and exaggerated contours that complement their silhouettes. Thus, the unique approach provides a Velasco piece a sense of growing tension as well as genuine emotion – this is the classic defining feature of her artistic approach as seen in this 2007 oil on canvas painting. (P.I.R.)