Artist Focus : Postcard #3 - Painting by Vicente Manansala

Why I’ve just started sending out and receiving postcards? I don’t know. I’ve been running an irregular photo-postcard meme since 2009, I get them printed out and sent to really a very few people. Now I’ve a longer list in my address book and I’m glad that I did…I’m receiving postcards too which in a way helps the post office around here as well.

Above is a postcard I received today from Chris. It’s a painting entitled Balut Vendor by Vicente Manansala, a cubist painter and illustrator and a National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts. Balut is a delicacy in the Philippines and other Southeast nations, it’s a fertilized duck embryo that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell. My description stops there as I haven’t eaten it, for lack of interest then and for biblical reasons now. That aside, I’m a fan of local artists and I miss visiting galleries or covering art competitions and interviewing artists. So I’m really happy that I got a painting postcard!

Vicente Manansala (January 22, 1910 – August 22, 1981) was a renowned Filipino painter and one of the most important figures in Philippine modern art. He was born in Macabebe, Pampanga, Philippines, and is known for his unique style that blended elements of cubism and abstraction with Filipino themes and culture.

Manansala’s works often featured everyday Filipino scenes, such as rural and urban landscapes, barrios, and marketplaces. He used bold colors and geometric shapes to create a distinctive visual language that captured the essence of Filipino life. Some of his notable works include “Madonna of the Slums,” “Kalabaw,” and “Jeepneys.”

Throughout his career, Manansala received various awards and accolades for his contributions to Philippine art. His art is celebrated for its ability to depict the Filipino identity and culture while incorporating modern artistic techniques. Vicente Manansala’s legacy continues to influence contemporary Filipino artists and is celebrated as an integral part of the country’s art history.

Anyway, because of this, I got an idea for other postcards that I’d be printing. Thanks Chris!