洪救國

The work is in good condition overall, as is the canvas, which is clear and sound. Indication of light wear and handling is evident around the edges of the painting inherent to the framing process, but the paint layers are well-preserved. Under ultraviolet light examination reveals no evidence of restoration. Framed.
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Ang Kiukok’s artworks are reflective of his understanding for visual allegories, strong colorist tendencies, and cubist-inspired aesthetics. Notable influences upon his paintings and creative techniques included his mentor Vincent Manansala, a cubist painter and illustrator, the Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo, and the Javanese artist But Mochtar. The present work Fishermen was created in 1992, and may be seen as a continuation of the artist’s series that share similar naturalistic themes, notably Fishermen (1981), as well as Fishermen Drawing Nets (1990).

Throughout his life the Filipino artist was inspired by his Catholic faith, with many of his paintings referencing biblical parables, and religious motifs. The work Fishermen is evident of such themes, for the painting highlights the Christian story of Jesus and his first disciples. As per the religious fable, Jesus asked a group of disgruntled fishermen to throw their nets back into the ocean. To their amazement when the nets were pulled out from the water, each one was filled with so much fish that the boat almost sank from the weight.  

Within the present painting, the artist embraces these religious motifs as means to convey his absolute faith, and trust in God. The depiction of the fishermen as they collect their haul from the ocean may be a reference to the artist’s personal journey, and spiritual awakening. In the painting men and fish are locked in an eternal conflict between ignorance and enlightenment, with the fish representing the latter.

The artist’s appropriation of geometrical shapes to portray the fishermen, their figures absent of features or defining marks, inspires movement within the painting. In the work the use of colors compliments the presence of the fishing net, set against the blue background, and further emphasizes the idea of motion, subsequently intensifying the drama of the scene. The sun painted in bright orange may also symbolize the artist’s trust in God, a shining beacon amidst the physical and emotional battles that are the hallmarks of human existence.