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signed and dated 2006 (lower left)
oil on canvas
23" x 17" (58 cm x 43 cm)

León Gallery wishes to thank the artist for confirming the authenticity of this lot




Filipino artist Mark Justiniani's career has been marked by a constant evolution of imagery and themes, reflecting what is relevant to him at different points in time. He has explored socio-political themes and experimented with various media and art forms, ranging from paintings to installations. However, a crucial reference point for appreciating his widely lauded body of work is his exploration of "surrealist or magic realist strains," as described by art historian Patrick Flores. This style is characterized by a distortion of the body, whimsically or tragically, within the realm of social realism. Justiniani developed this distinct style after returning from the U.S. in 2006. Throughout his artistic evolution, one constant has been the narrative quality of his works. While he is often associated with the Filipino social realists of the 1980s and 1990s, Justiniani considers himself primarily a visual storyteller. His works employ a contemporary figurative approach, with perspectives, forms, and intricacies of chosen themes rendered in a dreamlike, surreal, and whimsical manner. This specific period in his artistic career showcases his ability to create evocative and thought-provoking imagery that captivates viewers and invites them into his narrative world. (Jed Daya)