Roldan Cruz Ventura

The work is in good condition overall, as is the canvas, which is clear and taut. There is light wear and handling around the edges of the painting, but only visible upon close observation. Examination under ultraviolet light shows no evidence of restoration. Unframed, on a Stretcher.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The uncanny quality conjured in Roldan Cruz (Manok) Ventura’s body of works marks him as one of the most distinguished contemporary Filipino artists today. Forsaken places and disused objects are the prevalent themes of his paintings. Depicting his subject matters in a photorealistic manner, Manok sought to create new meanings and facades for his viewers to contemplate upon. In Fragments, the only discernible image is the raised arm that seems to be greeting us; Manok blows up the minute details of ripped magazine posters, and transforms these elements to a poetic work of semi-abstraction. The extremely nuanced composition invites us to trace every crack and every rupture visible in the painting. These elusive imperfections point to those abandoned walls that we would walk past on an everyday basis, yet the details here are highly specific. Manok’s depiction of familiar, but perhaps forgotten places sends us back to certain punctured moments buried within the sea of our memories. Working on a monumental scale allows the artist to elaborate on particular constituents, for the longer we linger in front of the painting, the more we shall discover in the fantastical realm that he is presenting to us.